Draft Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Management Plan

Update on the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Management Plan review

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and Kāi Tahu are undertaking a new review of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Management Plan.

DOC along with the three kaitiaki rūnaka –Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, Te Rūnanga o Waihao and Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu are working in consultation with the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board.

The review was paused in February 2019 to consider the effects of the Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Supreme Court decision. This decision clarifies that DOC and Ngāi Tahu have an important role in giving effect to the principles of Te Tiriti / the Treaty of Waitangi.

The 2018 notified draft Plan was subsequently withdrawn and a new process started.

The new process

The review process is following the structure set out in the National Parks Act 1980. However, it has not started from scratch and is drawing on all the work done to date when the draft was first notified, and the submissions received.

Once a new draft Plan has been developed, it will be publicly notified, and opened for submissions. Discussion papers explaining the proposed changes will be made available to the public with the new draft Plan.

Hearings

Hearings will be held after submissions on the new draft Plan are received. Submissions made to the 2018 draft Plan will be considered as part of the process. All submitters who asked to be heard on both the 2018 draft and the new draft will be invited to attend hearings.

There will be public consultation and workshops with submitters and other stakeholders to address matters raised in submissions, and any new issues that have arisen since the process was paused.

What’s happening with the review?

Work on the new draft Plan is progressing well. Submissions on the 2018 draft have been analysed to identify where changes were required and where more technical advice was needed. DOC, ngā kaitiaki rūnaka and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu are now working to get a draft ready for the public in early 2024.

Regular updates on this webpage will keep people informed of progress and of any opportunities for involvement in the review process.