Photo: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham
The Conservation Minister has just finished consulting with a selected group over plans that would see him become the sole maker of decisions concerning the conservation estate, a move that would relegate several statutory bodies to advisory status.
The government is moving to update the Conservation Act saying it needs modernising and streamlining.
The Prime Minister has spoken of wanting to unleash economic growth on conservation land. Earlier on Nine to Noon, Federated Mountain Clubs said the plans to give the Minister sole decision making powers would strip away democratic processes and prioritise commercial interests.
The recent chair of the Southern Conservation Board - that could be sidelined under the new proposals - Shona Sangster, says some change could be helpful, but moves to increase commercialisation are all but impossible to undo.
Kathryn speaks to Shona Sangster and Valentina Dinica of Victoria University, who thinks DOC should be looking again at the areas being protected.
