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Process for partial reviews of the general policies

Introduction

This is the process for the partial reviews of the Conservation General Policy and the General Policy for National Parks. It includes previous steps and when future steps are expected to happen.

We update this webpage as we go through the partial reviews process.

Background of the partial reviews of the general policies.

Design of partial reviews process

August 2019 – August 2020

  • Minister and NZCA ask DOC to review the Conservation General Policy and the General Policy for National Parks to give better effect to Treaty principles.
  • Early engagement with whānau, hapū and iwi and Māori organisations to seek feedback on proposed Terms of Reference and how we should do this work together.
  • Process for partial reviews developed, based on early engagement.
  • Minister and NZCA confirm the Terms of Reference.
  • Director-General calls for nominations and appoints Options Development Group members from whānau, hapū and iwi, Māori organisations, and conservation boards to work with DOC officials.

Related webpages to these steps:

Development of recommendations for change

September 2020 – December 2021

  • Options Development Group start collaborative work to develop ideas for change.
  • Feedback on ideas sought from whānau, hapū and iwi and conservation stakeholders including Conservation Boards, NZ Fish & Game Council, Federated Mountain Clubs, Forest & Bird, Environment Defence Society, Heritage NZ Pouhere Taonga, NZ Māori Tourism and Tourism Industry Aotearoa.
  • Options Development Group consider the feedback and produce a report for the Director-General with recommendations for change.
  • Options Development Group report publicly released in April 2022.

Preparation of DOC's response

  • DOC considers Options Development Group recommendations, and prepares advice on a response to the report.

Public consultation

Any proposals to amend the general policies will be supported by comprehensive public consultation as required under section 17B of the Conservation Act 1987 and section 44 of the National Parks Act 1980, as summarised below.

  • Director-General consults the Minister and NZCA, and Fish & Game if appropriate, on recommendations for change.
  • Technical drafts of the general policies prepared for public consultation.
  • Public submissions sought on the draft general policies. Hui with whānau, hapū and iwi, and meeting with the public and stakeholders to discuss the proposals.
  • Meetings with submitters on the Conservation General Policy who wish to be heard in support of their submissions.

Decisions

The Minister of Conservation is the decision maker for the Conservation General Policy and the NZCA is the decision maker for the General Policy for National Parks.

  • The Minister considers a summary of submissions and comments from the NZCA, and Fish & Game if appropriate, before either approving the Conservation General Policy or sending it back to the Director-General for revision.
  • The NZCA considers submissions, and comments from the Director-General and the Minister, before adopting the General Policy for National Parks.
  • Updated general policies are published and in effect.
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