8854 (2024). Hon Julie Anne Genter to the Minister for Land Information

8854 (2024). Hon Julie Anne Genter to the Minister for Land Information: Is there a timeframe for returning the former Defence land at Watts Peninsula to DOC and opening the land to the public?

Hon Chris Penk: As noted in my response to Written Parliamentary Question 7226 (2024), I am expecting to receive a briefing from Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) in May, which will contain options for the future governance and administration of the reserve land at Watts Peninsula, including the option of continuing with the 2017 Cabinet mandate. Following my decision, and any approvals required from Cabinet, my expectation is that LINZ and the Department of Conservation (DOC) will work closely with Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust (representing mana whenua Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika), and any other key stakeholders who may be involved in the reserve’s governance and administration, to establish a plan to open the reserve as soon as practicable.