Date:  23 November 2015

The Department of Conservation is reviewing the 1992 Paparoa National Park Management Plan and is inviting people to register their interest and to provide suggestions on aspects of the park’s management they want considered in the review.

DOC will carry out the review in close consultation with the West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board and with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae of Ngāi Tahu who have a long association with the park.

DOC West Coast Operations Director Mark Davies said DOC would consult with key organisations with an interest in the park and would also carry out wider public consultation.

“Paparoa National Park is an important natural asset for New Zealand. The current plan is 23 years old and the review of the plan provides opportunity to take a fresh look at how it is managed.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible on what they want for the national park.”

A draft management plan will be prepared taking into account consultation feedback. It will include draft provisions for memorials to the 29 men who died in the Pike River Mine tragedy. The planned memorials include a Great Walk across the Paparoa Ranges between Blackball and Punakaiki with two new huts and mountain biking and walking use. An interpretation centre is also planned at the mine site which has become part of the national park.

People wanting to be part of the plan review process and to receive updates on it can email paparoanp@doc.govt.nz or call +64 3 371 3700.

DOC staff will shortly begin talking with recreation and other interest groups about the plan review and public meetings will be held in early February.

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