17 April 2019

3,165 submissions have been received by Land Information New Zealand as part of the public consultation on proposals to improve the management of Crown pastoral land in the South Island high country.

“We’ve been really impressed with the number and quality of submissions,” says Jamie Kerr, Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Policy and Overseas Investment.

“We’ve had some really substantial feedback over the past eight weeks and I’d like to thank everybody who’s taken the time to make a submission.

“We have a big job ahead to read through all of the feedback and understand what it means for the proposed changes to the management of Crown pastoral land.”

LINZ will release a summary of all the submissions in May.

The public consultation was launched by Land Information Minister Eugenie Sage following the announcement that the Government was ending tenure review.

“The feedback we’ve received is very valuable in terms of shaping the outcomes we want to achieve for the land and understanding the best ways to achieve them,” says Mr Kerr.

“The consultation has started some really productive conversations with a range of people that will not only inform legislative change, but LINZ’s operational practices too.”

The submissions will inform advice to Minister Sage and Government on potential changes to the Crown pastoral land regulatory system, the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 and consequential changes to the Land Act 1948. There will be a further opportunity for the public to provide comment when a Parliamentary Select Committee considers a Bill.

The changes consulted on included: Making decision-making by the Commissioner of Crown Lands more accountable and transparent.

Providing more guidance and standards for the Commissioner’s decisions on leaseholder applications for activities such as burning and forestry.

Requiring the Commissioner to obtain expert advice and consult as necessary when considering applications for discretionary consents.

Updating the fees and charges framework.

Requiring regular reporting against a monitoring framework.

Proposed new outcomes for Crown pastoral land include: Ensuring that the natural landscapes, indigenous biodiversity, and cultural and heritage values are secured and safeguarded through the Crown’s management of the land.

Allowing for pastoral and non-pastoral activities that support economic resilience and local communities.

For more information visit www.linz.govt.nz/cplc

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