Introductory letter
10 December 2009
Hon Tim Groser
Minister of Conservation
Parliament Buildings
WELLINGTON
Dear Minister I submit, in terms of section 6E of the Conservation Act 1987, the annual report of the New Zealand Conservation Authority for the period 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009. The Act requires that the Authority shall in each year report to the Minister on the exercise of its functions and powers.
The Authority has received the annual reports of the fourteen conservation boards, as required by section 6O of the Act.
Reflecting on the past twelve months, there have been challenges. Since my appointment as Chairperson in July 2008, I have come to appreciate the enormous contribution made by outgoing Chairperson, Kerry Marshall, who served on the Authority for twelve years in total, including seven years as Chairperson.
The Authority received the first of the "second generation" conservation management strategies during the reporting period; the first to be developed since the adoption of the Conservation General Policy by the Minister of Conservation in 2005.
The Authority notes your Climate Change International Negotiations portfolio is an important link with Conservation. Your commitment to review the Marine Reserves Bill within the Government's first term is welcomed by the Authority.
The Authority has greatly appreciated receiving regular bi-monthly updates on the Department of Conservation's work, and its wider context, from both the Director- General and General Manager Policy.
In the past year, the Authority has witnessed the Department developing a more commercial outlook, consistent with its Statement of Intent's reference to enabling business opportunities, and the use of other new terminology, such as the "conservation economy".
At the same time, budget cuts to the Department and conservation boards have forced some changes; some positive, some potentially negative.
The unique partnership that exists between the community and the Department is probably more important than ever before. The Department cannot do all it would like to do without community involvement, collaboration and participation in planning, prioritizing and delivering. Yet the Authority feels this relationship is being eroded when it comes to strategic planning for conservation management. Processes that are not open to public consultation are being favoured over those which are inclusive of the public.
New Zealanders as a whole care deeply about our natural and historical heritage, unique species and scenic beauty, and want continued involvement in the decision-making on, and management of, these.
Don Ross
Chairperson
New Zealand Conservation Authority
Mission statement
To ensure for the people of New Zealand, that the richness of New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage is valued, restored, maintained, and cared for by all, in order to enhance our environment and quality of life.
New Zealand Conservation Authority
members (view larger (JPG, 39K))
The New Zealand Conservation Authority Members
From left to right: Waana Davis, Don Ross (Chair), Yvonne Sharp, Mike Browne, Linda Conning, Kay Booth, Hally Toia, Charles Crofts, Louise Savage, Bob McDowall, John Nankervis, Brian Stephenson
Absent: Basil Morrison