CONSERVATION AMENDMENT BILL 2026 – MEMBER INFORMATION

The HVNZDA & Lower North Island Red Deer Foundation believes the proposed Conservation Amendment Bill warrants careful scrutiny from all New Zealanders who value public access to conservation land.

These proposed changes have the potential to affect public access to conservation land, recreational hunting opportunities, and the way decisions are made regarding New Zealand's public conservation estate.

Public conservation land is part of our birthright as New Zealanders. The decisions made today will shape how future generations access and enjoy these places, and we encourage all hunters, outdoor recreation users, and conservation-minded New Zealanders to take the time to read the proposed legislation and make a submission to Parliament.

Why should hunters pay attention?

The Bill contains a number of proposed changes that could have long-term implications for those who value access to public land, including:

• Increased powers to sell, exchange, lease, or otherwise dispose of conservation land.
• Reduced public involvement in decisions affecting conservation land.
• Greater ministerial discretion over decisions involving public conservation land.
• New provisions that place greater emphasis on economic development and commercial use of conservation land.
• Potential impacts on future public access to hunting, fishing, tramping, and other recreational opportunities.

The Foundation believes New Zealanders should carefully consider whether these proposed changes strike the right balance between conservation, public access, recreation, and commercial development.

Make your voice heard

You do not need to write a lengthy submission. A short submission outlining why New Zealand's conservation estate is important to you, your family, and future generations is valuable.

Parliament needs to hear directly from the people who use, enjoy, and care for public conservation land. Personal submissions carry weight because they reflect real experiences and genuine views.

The strongest submissions are usually personal. Explain who you are, where you hunt, how often you use public conservation land, why public access matters to you and your family, and any concerns you have about the proposed changes. Real-world examples often carry far more weight than simply repeating someone else's views.

How to make a submission

Conservation Amendment Bill

Submissions close at 12pm on Monday 13 July 2026.

1. Visit the Parliament submission portal using the link below.
2. Read the short summary of the Bill (optional).
3. Click "Make a Submission".
4. Enter your contact details.
5. Write your submission. This can be as short or as detailed as you wish. Even a few paragraphs explaining why public conservation land, hunting access, recreation, and public involvement in decision-making matter to you is worthwhile.
6. If you would like to speak to your submission before the Select Committee, tick the box indicating that you wish to appear. Presenting your submission can be done either in person or remotely via video link.
7. Submit your feedback before the closing date.

Parliament Submission Portal: MAKE YOUR SUBMISSION HERE

Read the Bill:

https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/bd7d0f89-d8cb-42f7-9c5f-08deabeda048

National Conservation Policy Statement

The Department of Conservation is also consulting on a proposed National Conservation Policy Statement which will influence how conservation legislation is applied in practice.

Submissions close on 10 August 2026.

1. Visit the consultation page below.
2. Read the consultation document and supporting material.
3. Complete the online submission form or provide feedback through the process outlined by DOC.
4. Submit your feedback before the closing date.

DOC Consultation Information:

https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2026-consultations/proposals-for-new-national-direction-for-conservation/

Why your submission matters

Hunters have a long history of contributing to conservation outcomes, pest animal control, habitat protection, species management, and the stewardship of public land. We are often the people spending the most time in some of New Zealand's most remote places and have a unique perspective on the value of our conservation estate.

Public conservation land belongs to all New Zealanders. Decisions made today will shape how future generations access and enjoy these places. Whether your passion is hunting, fishing, tramping, conservation work, or simply knowing these places remain available for future generations, now is the time to have your say.

If we want hunters' voices heard in decisions affecting public land, we need to be part of the conversation.

We encourage all members and supporters to make a submission and ensure their voice is heard.

Here are the submissions made by HVNDA and the LNIRDF to the select committee.

HVNZDA Conservation Amendment Bill Submission.pdf   CAA submission LNIRDF (1).pdf

G George - LNIRDF President

T Gratton - HVNZDA President