Te Tai Poutini, the West Coast, is a raw and untamed gem of Aotearoa’s natural beauty, with over 80% of its land and waters managed by the Department of Conservation. This wild and rugged landscape holds a special place in the hearts of many Kiwis, especially our members and supporters.
To protect the West Coast’s exquisite natural and recreational values Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC) has submitted feedback on the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) survey as they get ready to prepare a new Tai Poutini West Coast Conservation Management Strategy (CMS). We hope this will be followed by a meeting with DOC, to discuss our recommendations.
FMC’s submission underscores the importance of the CMS aligning with the Conservation Act priorities regarding conservation, fostering non-commercial recreation, and allowing tourism. It highlights the need for the CMS to establish clear objectives for the management of national parks, as required under the National Parks Act 1980, rather than unlawfully delegating this responsibility to National Park Management Plans, as currently suggested by DOC on their website. FMC also emphasises that stewardship land reclassification should be completed as a matter of urgency and before finalising the new CMS, as the outcomes of reclassification will directly shape its application and that of related management plans. We also offer recommendations about what should be considered in the reclassification process, with a general view that reclassification must give the land the most appropriate protection consistent with its conservation values.
The submission calls for the CMS to address the impacts of climate change and earthquake risks, recommending that DOC work with the National Emergency Management Agency to establish an Operational Emergency Response Plan (ERP) as soon as possible and what the plan should involve.
In terms of recreation, FMC supports changes to non-motorised non-commercial recreation if they are consistent with conservation management policies and values and encourages DOC to consult with various recreation groups, specifically advocating for the CMS to allow non-motorised hang-gliding and paragliding activities in the region. The submission also makes recommendations about concessions and commercial activities, stressing the importance of the public’s right to equal enjoyment of conservation land. We specifically make recommendations about certain aspects of concession processes.
Furthermore, we also recommend that directive policies to manage pest flora and fauna need to be included in CMS. With the increasing use of drones in natural areas, we also suggest that the CMS needs to clarify the rules on drone use, and include a communications plan to ensure visitors are informed and familiar with these rules.
To ensure clarity and compliance of the entire CMS, and to avoid misinterpretations, we have also urged DOC to use clear, strong and directive language throughout the CMS, and to provide an improved and more effective document design.
We believe our many recommended measures will shape and strengthen the new CMS, ensuring it provides robust protection for conservation values while supporting appropriate recreation and allowing tourism opportunities on Te Tai Poutini West Coast.
Photo: Trampers at Lake Morgan, West Coast by Ray Salisbury
