Well-being and natural resource management : a case study of Lake Ellesmere

Abstract

In managing the lake to maximise its value to well-being, government influence will have a significant input. It is concluded that with adequate planning, research and consultation the Lake Ellesmere wetland is sufficiently large and diverse to cater for all uses with minimum conflict.

Preservation and conservation remain the most immediate and important objective of management because of the extensive development of local and national wetlands which has already occurred, and because of Lake Ellesmere's classification as a wetland of outstanding and international importance.

New Zealand's Environmental legislation does provide for the zoning of public land areas for specific uses and for the placement of certain restrictions on the use of private land. However, the success of the management of Lake Ellesmere for the maximisation of total well-being will depend ultimately on public support. For this reason the input of the State into the management of the Lake Ellesmere region, and of natural resources in general, will require mutual education, communication, consultation and co-operation between all those involved both in the public and private sector. Only by such means can natural resource management in New Zealand, with its significant state influence, be directed toward the maximization of well-being of all people.