Western South Island reclassification decisions
The Minister announced decisions on 576 Western South Island stewardship land reclassification proposals on 11 December 2025.
- Decisions on stewardship land delivered: Media release 11 December 2025
- Excel table setting out the Minister’s decisions (XLSX, 223K)
- Map displaying the Minister’s decisions once implemented (PDF, 1,156K)
Material underpinning the Minister’s decisions will be released within 30 working days of the Minister’s announcement on the stewardship land documents page.
Submissions closed 23 August 2022
This was a 60-day public notification period from 27 May to 23 August 2022.
The submission period was extended by 20 working days from the original closing date of 26 July 2022.
Media release 25 July 2022: West Coast stewardship land public notification extended
Read the submissions
DOC received 655 individual submissions and 5,976 pro forma submissions on the proposals by the deadline of 23 August 2022.
All available submissions and their attachments can be accessed in the folders below. To find a specific submission, click the appropriate link below. Then enter the submitter name into the search box above 'Name' at the top left of the page to filter the file list.
The summary at the beginning of each submission shows if it has supporting documents. If it does have supporting documents, they can be found at the bottom of the submission.
Redactions of contact details and other information have been made in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982.
- Submissions to DOC from individuals
- Submissions to DOC from organisations
- Submissions through Forest & Bird
Public hearings
Public hearings for the proposed reclassifications of stewardship land were held on the West Coast and online from 12 to 21 September 2022.
The hearings gave submitters the opportunity to provide supporting context to their submission. Hearings were open to the public, including media.
- Hearing guidance for submitters (PDF, 399K)
- Submitter schedule (PDF, 348K)
- Read the 'Statements of Declaration' (PDF, 127K)
About the public notification
Stewardship land is public conservation land that has not yet had its natural and historic resources assessed to give it an appropriate classification.
DOC is supporting the reclassification of stewardship land to ensure land with conservation and cultural values is protected for future generations to enjoy.
A National Panel and a Ngāi Tahu-appointed Mana Whenua Panel, developed reclassification proposals for stewardship land in the Western South Island.
Documents supporting stewardship land reclassification
How we sought your feedback
We wanted your feedback to help determine the best outcome for stewardship land areas on the West Coast. We asked whether you agreed or disagreed with the panels' recommendations and to include any comments you might have had.
Guidance for submitters
We prepared a guidance document that provides an overview of the public notification process.
Next steps
DOC will implement the Minister of Conservation’s decisions.
Most proposals can be implemented via Gazette notice, however proposals which require further steps such as disposal and national parks will take a longer timeframe to complete.
Contact
If you have questions or need help with your submission, email the stewardship land team: stewardshiplandreclassification@doc.govt.nz