The Ministry of Justice has applied to the Minister of Conservation for a reduction in the width of the marginal strip which will be created along part of the Opanuku Stream when it sells adjoining parcels.

Property location

The land being sold is Lots 1- 4 DP 42449 located at 421 Great North Road, Henderson.

Lots 1- 4 DP 42449, shaded yellow

The legal situation

Section 24 Conservation Act 1987 states that when any Crown land adjoining a qualifying waterbody is disposed of, a 20-metre-wide marginal strip is reserved from the sale. The purpose of a marginal strip is to maintain in-stream and stream bank values, provide public access to any adjacent watercourses, and for public recreational use. 

Lots 1- 4 DP 42449 with the standard 20 m width marginal strip indicated by red dashed line.

The Minister of Conservation may approve the reduction of the width of the strip to not less than 3 metres if its value in terms of the purposes of a marginal strip will not be diminished.

We are considering whether reducing the width of the marginal strip that will be created to 11 metres will still meet the purposes of a marginal strip.

Why a reduced width for the marginal strip might be adequate

This part of the Opanuku stream has a high bank and is vegetated so is not easily accessed from the potential marginal strip. There is currently no public or recreational use of this area. A marginal strip with a walkway/cycle way is located on the opposite bank, which provides for recreational use and access to the stream if required.

The site being sold is developed up to 8 m of the stream. An 11 m strip will encompass the vegetated bank which protects instream values and provide for the possible development of a walk/cycle way at some stage.

How to make a submission

Submissions on the proposal should be made in writing and include if you wish to be heard.

Send in your submission by post or email. There is no form to complete. 

Email: djwakelin@doc.govt.nz

Post:
Department of Conservation,
c/- Statutory Land Management,
PO Box 5244,
Dunedin

Submissions closed 5 pm Friday 5 September 2025.

Once submitted, submitters' information is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 and may be released under that Act. If you wish to keep any part of your submission confidential, you need to state this in writing when making your submission.

Contact

If you have any questions about this proposal, contact djwakelin@doc.govt.nz.