Since our last updates, the Government has agreed to drop the most concerning part of the Conservation Amendment Bill.
Conservation Amendment Bill: Government drops land disposal provisions
On 25 June, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced the Government will remove the disposal and exchange provisions from the Bill. These were the provisions that could have seen public conservation land sold off or swapped, and they were our single biggest concern.
Quick Points:
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The sale and exchange of public conservation land is now off the table.
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Immediate Past President Callum Sheridan raised NZDA's position directly with the Minister.
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NZDA worked alongside a broad coalition of recreation organisations to make the case.
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The Minister will keep working with stakeholders on the economic development parts of the Bill.
NZDA's position: this is a real win, but it is one win on one issue. Other problems with the Bill remain, and we are still preparing a full submission to the Select Committee.
Why it matters: protecting public conservation land means protecting public hunting access for current and future generations.
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