Conservation
Last updated:
January 2010
New Zealand’s natural environment and landscapes motivate many visitors to visit New Zealand. A large proportion of interaction between visitors and the natural environment takes place on public conservation lands.
Ministry of Tourism research shows that over half of all international tourists visit public conservation lands during their time in New Zealand, whether to have a picnic, drive to Milford Sound, take a short walk or go tramping.
Public conservation lands comprise 14 national parks and more than five million hectares - a third of New Zealand is protected in parks and reserves.
The Ministry works closely with the Department of Conservation on issues relevant to both tourism and conservation.
Government Initiatives in Tourism and Conservation
Concessions Review Project
The Concessions Review project has been established to consider if the current concession process meets the needs of applicants and protects conservation values. The review is specifically looking into simplifying and streamlining processes, decision making timeframes, transparency and certainty, and reducing compliance costs.
The project is also investigating the scope for integrating the concessions process with the Resource Management Act (RMA) resource consent process, as a contribution to the current RMA reform project led by the Ministry for the Environment.
Tourism on Conservation Lands Forum
The Tourism on Conservation Lands Forum has fostered a strong working partnership approach to the management of tourism activities on conservation lands. Its members include government agencies, industry representatives and non-government agencies
Interpretation resource for concessionaires
Conservation Revealed – unique New Zealand in detail’ is a comprehensive collection of information sheets designed to help raise awareness, and increase the appreciation and understanding of New Zealand’s flora, fauna, culture and heritage.
This resource is designed to assist concessionaires in providing their clients with richer experiences. The Ministry of Tourism provided funding to help the Department of Conservation develop this interpretation resource kit.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/concessions-and-permits/concessions/information-for-concessionaires/interpretation-resources/
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