PRESS RELEASE: NZRA approves of co-location of Conservation and Land Information Ministries

The New Zealand Recreation Association today praised the appointment of Eugenie Sage as both Minister of Conservation and Minister of Land Information New Zealand.

NZRA Chief Executive Andrew Leslie says that both ministries influence recreation in New Zealand, particularly recreational access the South Island High Country.

“An area of concern amongst our members and stakeholders is the extent to which access to Public Conservation Land, specifically in the South Island High Country, has been denied for recreational use by tenure review and overseas investment office processes,” he said.

“Both processes are managed by LINZ who draw upon DoC guidance in each case. Having a single Minister responsible for both entities presents a fantastic opportunity to un-pick some really sticky issues.”

In 2016, NZRA wrote to the CEO of LINZ and every Conservation Board in the South Island expressing concern on behalf of their members. They suggested some minor changes to the process, including greater consultation with the Walking Access Commission.

“We look forward to working with the new Minister on this issue,” Mr Leslie said.

He also took the opportunity to congratulate Ms Sage on her appointment.

“As a former employee of Forest & Bird and a former Regional Councillor, Ms Sage is well placed to take on these demanding and complex Ministries. We wish her all the best.”

© Scoop Media