An evaluation of options for the maintenance of the conservation estate

Abstract

It is argued, in this paper, that the Department of Conservation is unable to undertake sufficient maintenance of the conservation estate due to a lack of resources; that the Department is seeking options to supplement the work that is being done; and that the rate of implementing new options is hindered by financial, logistical and attitudinal barriers. On this basis, three options for increasing the amount of maintenance work being done on the conservation estate are proposed: Maori control and management of selected conservation areas, and a partnership between iwi and the Department of Conservation in the management of the conservation estate; charging of licence fees to cover administration costs, and sharing the responsibility for maintaining recreational facilities with users through user pays and user maintenance; and increasing the opportunities for volunteer participation in estate maintenance work.