To: Hon Kiritapu Allan, Minsiter of Conservation
Cc: Lou Sanson, Director-General of Conservation
Date: 19 July 2021

On 24 May 2021, the Authority received a letter from the Otago and Southland Conservation Boards proposing that carbon reduction and climate change mitigation plans be introduced into both new and existing concession considerations.

Climate change is the single greatest issue facing conservation; if action in this area is not correctly and urgently led by environmental agencies, such as Te Papa Atawhai, then we cannot expect other entities across Aotearoa to consider the serious need for change appropriately.

Whilst discussing this issue at its most recent meeting on 17 and 18 June, the Authority resolved to support the proposal put forward by the Otago and Southland Conservation Boards. The Authority, alongside the Boards, is of the view that engagement on climate change mitigation with concession holders and applicants should begin as soon as possible.

The importance of this work and the message therein cannot be diluted by unnecessary delays.

No reira
E noho ora mai

Edward Ellison ONZM
Chairperson NZCA