Submission on West Coast stewardship land reclassification recommendations

FMC has written a two-part submission on reclassification recommendations for stewardship land on the West Coast. The first part addresses high-level aspects of the project. The second focusses on the reclassification recommendations made by national and mana whenua panels.

Our submission’s main points are that: the national panel’s recommendations should go ahead where conservation and recreation NGOs are in general agreement with them; and that the process is otherwise paused for review. 

FMC stands by its long-standing request for reclassification of stewardship land; the task needs to be completed to ensure the whenua’s values are understood and managed appropriately. 

However, doing it well is essential. Process integrity, recommendation appropriateness, democratic participation, and likely stability of outcomes are essential. FMC has several concerns in these areas.

Our concerns are not limited to the Western South Island work. This region is first in the national reclassification programme and has a precedent-establishing role.

FMC’s submission includes advocacy for Wild Rivers. It urges decision-makers to create a strongly protective land parcel focussed on Westland’s genuinely wild rivers, whose pristine state is rare internationally.

For FMC’s overarching and by-area recommendations, please see our full submission. 

Photo at top: Ivory Lake outlet, currently on stewardship land. Photo (c) Jason Blair, West Coast Alpine Club.