30 June 2026

Tēnā koutou katoa

Update from the June NZCA meeting

The June NZCA meeting marked the last meeting on the Authority for members Wendy Nelson, Aroha Mead and Ina-Kara France and myself.

Following a morning tea to farewell members and Penny, as this was also her last Authority meeting, she then reflected on her time at the Department. Penny acknowledged her relationship with the Authority and especially with myself as Chair during her time as DG at DOC.

In her time at the Department, she is proud of the work she has done, particularly development of the Bio-invest strategy and the Bio-investment tool (an important tool for directing investment), the work in the marine space and developing a working relationship with Treaty partners.

She also noted her huge respect to staff who continued to operate effectively in a challenging fiscal environment. She believed that the Department has offered free and frank advice to ministers on the Conservation Amendment Bill.

Te Hiku o Te-Ika-a-Māui Conservation Management Strategy

I am pleased to advise that the Authority has approved the Te Hiku o Te-Ika-a-Māui Conservation Management Strategy with an operative date of 31 July 2026.

We would like to take this opportunity to recognise the significant work that each partner has put into developing, refining and finalising the strategy over the past six years. This strategy outlines a new pathway for sustainably managing public lands, waters and species within them over the next ten years and represents a positive step forward in realising the Te Korowai Treaty settlement.

Minister of Conservation

The Minister attended the meeting via Teams, from his location at the Mystery Creek Field days. He spoke to a number positive initiatives the government had agreed to fund including for removal of wilding pines and increased funding for the QEII Trust.

We were able to take the opportunity to have a robust discussion with him on the Conservation Amendment Bill and provide some initial feedback.

Department updates

We had a number of updates from the Department including from the Statutory Management Team, who are currently supporting the Policy team on Conservation Amendment Bill (CAB) and the proposed National Conservation Policy (NCPS) as it relates to statutory process, and are also working on a designation for HOSI.

Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia sees the instigation of five new marine reserves on the Otago Coast from 1 July, beginning establishment of the South East Marine Protection Forum in 2014, but in reality a continuation of effort along that southeast coast of Te Waipounamu over the last 30 odd years The name was gifted by Kāi Tahu and a launch event was held on 23 June, at the Ōtākou Marae on the Otago Peninsula, in which the Minister attended. 

Conservation Amendment Bill

Bryan Dunne, Director of Policy for the Department attended the meeting along with a number of his colleagues, and we were able to provide some direct feedback on both the CAB and NCPS. The conversation will continue at the next Statutory Planning meeting in July, prior to the Authority making a submission on the NCPS.

Bryan noted that some of the changes the Department is already considering will be around bylaws and regulations to implement limits in the new system, particularly for high-pressure sites, pre-approved activities and concession lengths.

The Department is currently engaging with Post-Settlement Governance Entities (PSGEs) on the proposed changes, and potential impacts in terms of settlements. There is concern that the engagement by the Department is very neutral and downplays the significance of the changes to Iwi.

Access Charging

The Access charging team gave a presentation on their initial thinking on access charging for international visitors and sought initial feedback from the authority. At this stage they noted that the Department is looking at four areas, Tongariro, Aoraki Mt Cook, Fiordland and Cathedral Cove. They have yet to determine the scale of charging, i.e. for a whole area or for part of an area, how it will be collected and/or monitored. Initial public consultation supports fees for visitors and money going back to place.

Some initial suggestions from the Authority were to look at something like a ‘National Park Pass’ that would likely get buy in from visitors. There is a risk that unless buy in is achieved, people will work out how to avoid charges.

Final acknowledgement

I would also like to mihi to and again thank those members whose terms are ending at the end of this month for your service and contribution to your boards work and to the conservation kaupapa a rohe.

I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude and thanks to one and all for the fellowship and connections made during our Authority meetings in your rohe, the productive discussions we have shared at the Conservation Board Chairs conferences over the years, and for making a difference.

The public and iwi voice in conservation is an integral and important part of our national identity. I would like to thank the members, Aroha Te Pareake Mead, Ina Kara-France and especially Wendy Nelson who has been serving as my deputy chair on the Authority.

The next Authority meeting will be held on 12-13 August 2026 in Wellington.

No reira

E noho ora mai

Edward Ellison ONZM
Chairperson NZCA