Articles tagged with National Parks
Conservation Minister Approves Protection for 80% of West Coast Stewardship Land
2 weeks ago | 113 viewsConservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced that 385 out of 576 stewardship land reclassification proposals on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island will proceed, protecting over 190,000 hectares under the Reserves Act and more than 300,000 hectares under the Conservation Act, with some land added to National Parks or considered for disposal. This significant reclassification, the largest since 1987, aims to provide clarity and certainty for land use, respecting conservation, cultural values, and existing rights such as tourism and mining concessions, while maintaining access for Ngāi Tahu’s pounamu gathering. The process, involving extensive consultation and collaboration with panels and communities, culminates in the creation of new reserves like the 181,000-hectare Tarahanga e Toru Historic Reserve and referrals of key stewardship areas for national park additions to ensure long-term protection.
Tags: Tama Potaka Ngāi Tahu Tarahanga e Toru New Zealand Conservation Authority DOC West Coast South Island Cave Creek Pike River National ParksBoost in Great Walks Bookings Signals Conservation Success and Economic Growth
5 months ago | 898 viewsA significant boost in the number of people booking bednights along the country’s Great Walks is a good sign for conservation tourism and local businesses, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. Opening day bookings for each of the Great Walks were up by over 10,000 bednights compared to last year, totalling more than 140,000 bednights and bringing in more than $9 million to the Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai, says Mr Potaka. “Booking system upgrades - including a new online lobby - successfully processed a peak of nearly 12,000 people waiting to book the Milford when it opened on 28 May in an hour.
Tags: Conservation Minister Tama Potaka Great Walks Conservation tourism Local businesses Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai International Visitor Levy National Parks Rakiura National Park International visitors