The Environmental Legislation Committee working group has met twice to discuss the potential content of a submission from the Institute on the above. The group is currently focussing on a submission to the Bill which is due on 2 July 2026 as the deadline for submissions on the draft NPS has shifted to 10 August 2026. We’ll move onto the second submission during July, after we have lodged the first submission.

At a high-level, the group is proposing that the first NZILA submission should communicate support for efforts to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the conservation system. This would also recognise the importance of enabling appropriate recreation, tourism and public access opportunities within the conservation estate. However, highlighting that several aspects of the Bill represent a significant shift in the management of public conservation land and have the potential to result in unintended consequences for landscape values, cultural landscapes and visitor experience.

Specific recommendations may include:
   a) Explicitly recognising that landscape values and cultural landscapes contribute as conservation values requiring consideration under the Act.
   b) Confirming that conservation remains the primary purpose of public conservation land and that economic use and development must remain subordinate to conservation outcomes.
   c) Require assessment of landscape and cultural landscape values prior to land disposal, exchange, reclassification or significant intensification of use.
   d) Require cumulative effects on landscape character, natural character, cultural landscapes and visitor experience to be considered when determining concessions and other development approvals.
   e) Recognise landscape-scale relationships, including ki uta ki tai connections, as relevant considerations in conservation planning and management.
   f) Retain meaningful opportunities for input from mana whenua, Conservation Boards, local authorities and communities when decisions affect significant conservation landscapes.

The working group continue to welcome input from members, noting the tight timeframes.

Send contributions to admin@nzila.co.nz