Fiordland projects to be determined by Minister
Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister of
Conservation
24 February
2013
Media Statement
Fiordland projects to be determined by Minister
Proposals for the Milford Dart Tunnel
through Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks and the
Fiordland Link Experience of a catamaran, all-terrain
vehicle track and monorail through the Snowdon Forest are to
be determined by Conservation Minister Dr Nick
Smith.
“The Conservation and National Parks Acts
provide for decisions on concession applications and
proposals for roads in National Parks to be made by the
Minister of Conservation. I have decided that given the
scale of these Fiordland projects and the huge public
interest it is not appropriate for these decisions to be
delegated to a departmental official. These are public lands
and it is proper that these decisions are made by a publicly
elected and accountable official,” Dr Smith
says.
This decision is consistent with the powers
of delegation dating back to 1997, where the
Director-General of Conservation shall refer matters of
national interest, or involving significant environment,
social or economic implications, to the Minister.
“The decisions on the Milford Dart Tunnel and
Fiordland Link Experience will be difficult. Parks and
reserves are much loved areas of New Zealand set aside for
conservation and recreation. There is a particularly high
threshold for projects in our National Parks. However, New
Zealand also needs jobs and economic
development.
“I have taken advice on ensuring a
robust process. My primary advisor will be the Department of
Conservation and its advice will be a matter of public
record. I expect to receive the Department’s reports on
the Milford Dart Tunnel soon and on the Fiordland Link
Experience in the next few months.
“I will visit
the affected areas and meet with the commissioners who heard
the public submissions after I have received each
Departmental report. I also intend to meet with the
applicants of each project and seek the advice of the New
Zealand Conservation Authority before making a
decision.
“I will be taking a careful and
considered approach and I am very conscious of the
importance of coming to a fair and balanced
decision.”
ENDS