Summarised by Centrist
The government is dropping proposed powers that would have made it easier for the Department of Conservation to dispose of parts of the conservation estate, after weeks of public backlash.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka confirmed the backdown at the Environmental Defence Society conference, saying the bill’s wording had not matched the government’s stated intent.
“We have had no intention to sell off large parcels of land, but it seems the words don’t necessarily match our intentions,” Potaka said.
“So, what we’ve announced today is that we will take out the exchange and disposal provisions.”
The proposed changes were part of the Conservation Amendment Bill. Critics had accused the government of opening the door to sales of conservation land, while Potaka insisted the intent was limited to low-value sites such as an old borstal in Levin or the MetService building in Wellington.
Under current law, only reserve land or stewardship land can be disposed of, while public conservation land of “no or very low” conservation value can be exchanged.
Potaka had previously accused opponents of spreading “deceitful messages” and misinformation, saying maps showing large areas of land at risk of disposal were “mythical” and that national parks were not included.
But the government has now conceded the disputed provisions were too broad, too unclear or too politically exposed to survive.
Resources Minister Shane Jones said removing the provisions had “neutered” the broad scope of the concerns.
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said the announcement showed “public pressure is working”.
