7544 (2025). Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan to the Minister of Conservation

7544 (2025). Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan to the Minister of Conservation: What criteria and who determines the surplus on Public Conservation Land?

Hon Tama Potaka: I am advised that the Department of Conservation does not proactively classify public conservation land as surplus. The exchange, transfer or disposal of public conservation land is provided for on a case-by-case basis in limited circumstances. The Reserves Act 1977 provides for the disposal of reserves and the Conservation Act 1987 provides for the disposal of stewardship areas. Disposals are only allowed if the land is of ‘no, or very low’ conservation value. Disposals are made by the appropriate decision-maker as set out in the relevant legislation informed by advice from the Department of Conservation.