Major Reclassification Clarifies Future of West Coast Stewardship Land, Govt Says

Potaka emphasised that existing rights on stewardship land—including tourism concessions, mining operations, grazing licences, and recreational access—will remain unaffected.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced a landmark set of decisions that will redefine the status of most stewardship land on the West Coast of the South Island, providing long-awaited clarity for communities, industry, and conservation stakeholders. The announcement marks the most significant reclassification effort since the Department of Conservation (DOC) was established in 1987.

Of the 576 publicly notified reclassification proposals, 385 will now proceed, determining the future management and protection status of approximately 80 per cent of all assessed stewardship land.

Potaka confirmed that more than 190,000 hectares of land will receive new protection under the Reserves Act, and a further 300,000 hectares will be safeguarded as specially protected areas under the Conservation Act. In addition, nearly 4,300 hectares are being referred for potential addition to national parks, while 3,300 hectares will be investigated for possible disposal.

“The vast majority of areas will finally have the accurate classifications they deserve, reflecting their ecological, cultural, historic, and scenic values,” Potaka said. “Reclassifying stewardship land has been a long time coming, and these decisions bring much-needed certainty.”

Clarity for Communities and Industry

Potaka emphasised that existing rights on stewardship land—including tourism concessions, mining operations, grazing licences, and recreational access—will remain unaffected. He said the new classifications would improve certainty for tourism operators, farmers, miners, hunters, and community groups who rely on clear land-use pathways.

The reclassification will also make it easier to process new concessions, enabling more consistent decision-making and reducing administrative delays. Access to gather pounamu under the Ngāi Tahu (Pounamu Vesting) Act will also continue unchanged.

Breakdown of Key Decisions

• 151 proposals covering 192,973 ha will be protected under the Reserves Act, including historic and scenic reserves.

• 157 proposals will be protected under the Conservation Act, including conservation parks and ecological areas.

• 6 proposals will be referred to the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) for national park consideration, totalling 4,298 ha.

• 63 proposals (up to 3,352 ha) will undergo disposal investigations.

• 191 proposals, covering 130,975 ha, will not be progressed and will continue to be held as stewardship land.

Potaka extended his gratitude to the National Panel, Ngāi Tahu Mana Whenua Panel, and the many submitters who contributed expertise and perspectives over several years. “This process is the culmination of four years of complex work. I am proud we have reached this point.”

New 181,000ha Tarahanga e Toru Historic Reserve

A highlight of the reclassification is the creation of the 181,000-hectare Tarahanga e Toru Historic Reserve, recognising its immense cultural significance to Poutini Ngāi Tahu and its rich natural and recreational values. Potaka said the reserve strengthens heritage protection while retaining public access and maintaining the existing ownership and governance arrangements.

Several stewardship areas—most notably land linked to the Cave Creek tragedy and the Pike River mine disaster—will be considered for national park addition by the NZCA. Potaka acknowledged the emotional importance of these places to families and local communities.

Next Steps

Potaka will seek further DOC advice before deciding on the future structure and scope of the broader stewardship reclassification programme.

“This work is about protecting what matters for future generations while offering the clarity that communities and businesses have long asked for,” he said.