Govt Unveils Biggest Conservation Law Overhaul in Nearly 40 Years to Boost Tourism, Jobs

Mr Potaka said New Zealand’s current conservation legislation has failed to keep pace with modern tourism, environmental, and economic demands.

The Government has launched what it describes as the most significant reform of New Zealand's conservation system in almost four decades, introducing sweeping legislative changes aimed at accelerating economic growth, cutting red tape, modernising tourism access, and strengthening long-term environmental management.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced the introduction of the Conservation Amendment Bill, a major overhaul of the framework governing how conservation land is managed, developed, accessed, and protected across New Zealand.

The reforms are designed to dramatically streamline approval processes for tourism operators and businesses while reinvesting new revenue streams directly into biodiversity protection, conservation infrastructure, and visitor facilities.

Major Shake-Up of Outdated Conservation System

Mr Potaka said New Zealand's current conservation legislation has failed to keep pace with modern tourism, environmental, and economic demands.

"This is the most significant reform of conservation legislation in nearly 40 years," Mr Potaka said.

The Conservation Act, originally introduced in 1987, governs the management of millions of hectares of public conservation land overseen by the Department of Conservation (DOC). However, ministers argue the system has become increasingly burdened by slow approval processes, overlapping planning frameworks, and regulatory inefficiencies.

"Tourism on conservation land generates around $5.3 billion a year and supports jobs across the country," Mr Potaka said.

"More than 1,600 businesses operate on or around conservation land, contributing to regional economies and local livelihoods."

"But the system has not kept pace. The Conservation Act is nearly 40 years old, and outdated rules and slow processes have created unnecessary cost and delay."

The Government says the reforms are intended to unlock faster investment decisions while maintaining environmental safeguards.

Faster Approvals and Reduced Red Tape

A central feature of the Bill is a major overhaul of the concessions system — the process businesses and organisations must go through to operate on conservation land.

Currently, concession applications can take months or even years to process, creating delays for tourism operators, infrastructure projects, and conservation-related businesses.

Under the proposed reforms:

• Certain low-risk activities will become exempt from individual approvals

• Some activities will receive pre-approved status

• Processing requirements for routine applications will be simplified

• Decision-making timelines will be accelerated

Officials estimate that between 30 and 40 percent of concession applications may no longer require full individual processing under the new framework.

"These changes mean less red tape, faster approvals, and more investment into biodiversity, tracks, huts, and visitor infrastructure," Mr Potaka said.

New National Conservation Policy Statement Planned

The Bill will also introduce a new National Conservation Policy Statement aimed at replacing multiple overlapping planning documents currently governing conservation land management.

The Government says the new policy framework will provide:

• Clearer national direction

• Greater consistency across regions

• Simplified planning processes

• Improved certainty for businesses and communities

Supporters argue the move could reduce duplication and confusion that currently exists between national policies, regional conservation plans, and local operational rules.

Economic Growth and Environmental Protection Framed as Compatible

The Government is positioning the reforms as a "both-and" approach that seeks to combine conservation protection with economic development rather than treating them as competing priorities.

"New Zealanders shouldn't have to choose between protecting nature and growing the economy — this Bill delivers both," Mr Potaka said.

"It supports jobs, improves visitor experiences, and protects the places New Zealanders value."

The legislation includes provisions aimed at:

• Supporting regional employment growth

• Expanding tourism opportunities

• Reinvesting revenue into conservation

• Improving visitor infrastructure

• Providing more consistent Treaty obligation processes

The Government says all activities on conservation land will continue to remain subject to statutory environmental protections and oversight.

International Visitor Charges Could Raise $60 Million Annually

One of the most significant proposals within the Bill is the introduction of international visitor access charges at a small number of highly visited conservation sites.

The Government says the system would operate similarly to international national park entry fees commonly charged overseas.

"Just like when Kiwis travel overseas and pay to access national parks and visitor sites, these changes will allow a suitable contribution from international visitors using some of New Zealand's most iconic conservation locations," Mr Potaka said.

Officials estimate the charges could generate approximately $60 million annually.

The Government says all revenue raised would be reinvested directly into:

• Conservation and biodiversity protection

• Heritage preservation

• Track maintenance

• Hut upgrades

• Visitor infrastructure improvements

Importantly, ministers say New Zealanders will continue to enjoy free access to conservation areas.

Tourism Pressure and Infrastructure Costs Driving Reform

The proposed visitor charging system comes as New Zealand continues grappling with the financial and environmental pressures associated with growing tourism demand in fragile natural environments.

Popular locations such as Milford Track, Tongariro Crossing, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, and other iconic conservation destinations have experienced increasing strain on infrastructure, waste systems, transport access, and ecological resilience in recent years.

DOC has faced mounting funding pressures as visitor numbers rise while maintenance costs continue increasing due to climate impacts, severe weather events, and ageing infrastructure.

Industry analysts say the Government's move reflects a broader international trend toward "visitor pays" conservation funding models increasingly used in major tourism destinations worldwide.

Treaty Processes to Become More Consistent

The legislation also seeks to provide clearer and more consistent processes around Treaty of Waitangi obligations within conservation decision-making.

While details are still emerging, the Government says the reforms aim to improve transparency and certainty regarding how Treaty responsibilities are applied across conservation management processes.

This aspect of the Bill is expected to attract close scrutiny during select committee hearings.

Public Consultation to Shape Final Law

The Conservation Amendment Bill will now proceed through Parliament's legislative process, including referral to a select committee where members of the public, iwi, conservation organisations, tourism operators, local councils, and industry groups will be able to make submissions.

The reforms are likely to trigger significant national debate balancing environmental protection, tourism growth, public access, commercial use of conservation land, and long-term funding sustainability.

Environmental groups are expected to closely examine whether streamlined approval processes could weaken ecological safeguards, while tourism and regional business groups are likely to welcome efforts to reduce regulatory delays.

The Government maintains the reforms are essential to ensuring New Zealand's conservation system remains economically sustainable, environmentally resilient, and capable of supporting future generations.