Update from the NZCA meeting on 11 and 12 February 2026

The Authority held its recent meeting at Conservation House in Poneke, Wellington, on 11 and 12 February 2026. During this meeting we received a number of updates from the Department, and I’m pleased to share the following with you from the meeting.

Director-General update 

Penny Nelson (Director-General, DOC) updated the Authority on the Department’s recent activities. She spoke of her departure in October, at the end of her appointment term, and the Authority were unanimous in their appreciation of the work that she has done in the time she has been in charge.

Nine out of ten regions have been dealing with storms over the summer period, however the partnership between the Department and OneNZ has been working well, resulting in OneNZ being able to assist with contacting staff when there were interruptions with the regular network. The Department’s preparation on storm procedures since cyclone Gabriel enabled the Department to implement emergency procedures quickly and effectively when this year’s summer storms occurred.

The Department has launched a cadet programme in Renwick, designed for people to have a long career in conservation, which has been well received. The Department would like to continue this programme in years to come.  

The Department has two new Deputy Directors-General. Sheridan Smith has been appointed as DD-G for Iwi Strategy and Partnerships and is doing a great job so far. Bryan Dunne has joined the Department (as of Monday 23 Feb) as DD-G Policy. Bryan has had a long career in the public service, and came to DOC from FENZ.

Penny informed the Authority that the paid car park trial has generated $700,000 dollars to date at Punakaiki, Franz Josef Glacier, and Aoraki/Mt Cook. This funding provides more help on the frontlines and better destination planning for visitors The Department is working well with people at place, and this is where the Department is seeing the biggest gains.

Department updates 

The Department provided the Authority with updates on a number of projects. This included an update from the Statutory Land Management team, who informed the Authority of the outcome of the judicial review, brought against the Department by the Otago Rock Lobster Industry Association over Te Umukōau Marine reserve. This is now resolved, with the

Department being asked to relook at the boundaries of this marine reserve, with particular regard to rock-lobster commercial fisheries. DOC is now progressing the other five reserves through an Order in Council.

An update was also provided on the proposal to allow local government to process Wildlife Act authorisations under the National Environment Bill. The Authority has since made a submission on the Bill, primarily around the lack of detail outlined in the document.

The Statutory Entities Team provided an update on the progress for Conservation Board appointments in 2026, now that nominations have closed. Members will discuss recommendations with Board Chairs and report back to the full Authority. The process is well underway, with the team looking to provide the Minister with proposed shortlists by the end of March.

National Park Additions 

In December, the Government announced the agreement between the Crown and the Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust that will see ownership of approximately 7,583 acres of land at the top of the South Island restored to the descendants of its original owners. The Authority will now look to restarting the process to consult over the five blocks of land proposed for addition to the Abel Tasman National Park, that are not affected by the Governments decision.

The Minister has also agreed to reclassify six parcels of stewardship land on the West Coast as national park. Three of the proposed sites are of national significance as they relate to the Cave Creek and Pike River tragedies, other areas are specified in the Paparoa National Park Management Plan and the Westland Tai Poutini Natioal Park Management Plan. The Minister has referred the land in question to the Authority for consideration for addition to the National Parks.

Other items of interest. 

They Authority discussed a number of other issues and agreed to a number of actions including: making a statement on the mining of critical minerals in New Zealand, and finalising Fast-track submissions for the Belmont Quarry proposed land swap, Hutt Valley, and the renewal of the southern seawall at Wellington International Airport.

The next Authority meeting will be held in April 2026 in Dunedin.

No reira

E noho ora mai

Edward Ellison ONZM
Chairperson NZCA