Has the Minister received advice from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment regarding risks that the Conservation Amendment Bill could weaken conservation outcomes; if so, what action has he taken?

Answer

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment provided a submission on the discussion document. DOC’s analysis of submissions informed policy decisions for the Bill. The summary of submissions can be found here - https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/getting-involved/consultations/2024/modernising-conservation-management/summary-of-submissions-modernising-conservation-land-management.pdf While supportive of the intention of the reforms, PCE’s submission raised concerns about greater land disposal flexibility and the degree to which it was proposed to centralise decision-making with the Minister. In response to concerns around a lack of local input from conservation boards, I amended the proposed process for the National Conservation Policy Statement so that conservation boards are involved in the drafting and revision stages.