46 (2025). Steve Abel to the Minister of Conservation

46 (2025). Steve Abel to the Minister of Conservation: How many hectares of conservation land has an access arrangement for prospecting, exploration and mining since 2018, listed by year?

Hon Tama Potaka: The total number of hectares approved for prospecting, exploration and mining each year since 2018 is shown in the attached table. For exploration and mining Access Arrangements this includes variations to conditions, including extensions to land area approved and term. The Department of Conservation advises the total number of hectares of public conservation land that have an active access arrangement in place for prospecting, exploration or mining as at 30 January 2025 is 89,195 hectares, with 87,718 hectares of this for minimum impact prospecting activity.