6 November 2015

Urgency for high court review of DOC land exchange welcomed

The Director-General of Conservation has agreed to the exchange of 22 hectares of conservation land from the 94,000 hectare Ruahine Forest Park in return for 170 hectares of Smedley Station, which will be incorporated into the park. The 22 hectares sits inside the Ruataniwha Scheme reservoir and DOC believes the exchange enhances the conservation values of the land it manages. Forest and Bird has not challenged that conclusion, but has sought a High Court review of the legal basis of the Director-General’s decisions.

In a minute issued by the Court today, Justice Collins said he is satisfied an urgent fixture is warranted because of the financial and economic implications of any delays to the Ruataniwha Scheme.

He says the Court will do what it can to accommodate the two day hearing before the end of the year.

Mr Newman says HBRIC Ltd is pleased the High Court sees the importance of urgency in this matter.

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