Introduction
The New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) is an independent advisory body to the Minister of Conservation. It works with the Department of Conservation (DOC) on policy, strategic directions and management plans, and gives advice on national conservation issues.
Maori customary use of native plants and wildlife became controversial in the early 1990s with the requirements for timber for waka/canoes for the Sesquicentennial, a Chatham Islands request for toroa/albatross, and publicity about kereru/pigeon poaching in the North. The Minister asked the NZCA to investigate the issue.
In May 1994 the NZCA put out a bilingual Discussion Paper, which looked at:
- the laws and the Treaty of Waitangi,
- some basic guiding principles such as:
- sustainability,
- sharing knowledge and scientific research,
- taking heed of the wider context of habitats and natural ecosystems, and relationships with other species,
- restoration and enhancement, and
- recognition of the cultural values;
- a possible framework for making decisions, and
- administration and funding issues.