Common ground or up for sale? Conservation bill causes concern

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

The road adjacent to Belvedere Hall reserve, which could be the type of land referred to in proposed legislation allowing conservation land to be sold.

Proposed changes to conservation law making it easier to sell off land is causing concern, but proponents say only land of low conservation significance would be affected.

The Conservation Amendment Bill also proposes the Department of Conservation (DOC) should recognise and enable, as far as possible, economic opportunities from use and development of its resources.

Wairarapa-based Green Party list MP and the Party’s associate conservation spokesperson, Celia Wade-Brown, said up to 60% of public conservation land could be available for disposal. Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick disagrees, saying only small parcels of land with little conservation value were likely to be affected.

Some are worried that some of Wairarapa’s natural assets could be in danger of being sold off. (file photo)

A research poll commissioned by Forest and Bird found 64% of voters opposed allowing the sale of public conservation land, including 46% who strongly opposed it.

Pamphlets warning about the dangers of the proposals have been handed out at Solway station in Masterton.

Keen hiker and biker Wade-Brown said the proposed economic development function affected all conservation land.

“The bill would also make it much easier to sell off conservation land outside national parks,” she said.

“The Wairarapa is fortunate to have access to Tararua, Remutaka, Aorangi, and Ruahine Forest Parks for recreation and hunting. Community groups like The Holdsworth Restoration Trust work hard to restore biodiversity. We are seeing more birds, bats, and native plants return where there is good control of predators and weeds.”

Butterick said the habitats, landscapes, heritage sites and species that make New Zealand unique deserved to be protected.

“That’s why it’s important to have the facts about the Conservation Amendment Bill.”

He said commentary and speculation suggested the bill would lead to large-scale sales of conservation land.

“That is simply not what the bill does. No Government will sell 60% or even 6% of Aotearoa New Zealand’s conservation estate. Those are the places New Zealanders treasure most. Protecting them is exactly why DOC exists.

“But the opposite question is also worth asking. If there is a small parcel of land with little conservation value, no significant biodiversity values, no important recreation values, and no meaningful conservation purpose, should DOC be required to hold and manage it forever- often with health and safety and repairs and maintenance issues?

“Or should DOC’s limited resources be focused on protecting threatened species, restoring ecosystems, preserving heritage, and looking after the places that matter most?”

The Belvedere Hall reserve has been used as an example of the type of land that could be sold under proposed new legislation.

He cited Wairarapa’s Belvedere Hall as an example.

“That hall wasn’t being used locally, and the council no longer needed the reserve.”

“The bill will protect what matters most and ensuring conservation resources remain focused on delivering the best outcomes for nature and heritage.”

Wade-Bown said the Greens vigorously opposed the bill because important public conservation land could be privatised. She disagreed with the assertion only small parcels of land would be sold.

'There is scant protection for our 36 forest parks being nibbled away at for short-term profit. These parks belong to everyone,“ she said.

“This coalition is continuing its War on Nature and has no mandate to make it easier to sell off public conservation land.”

Richard Capie, Forest and Bird’s group manager for conservation advocacy and policy, said the results of the polling showed New Zealanders were sending a clear message.

“Conservation land is for protection, not sale,' he said.

Flyers have been distributed at Solway station in Masterton opposing the Conservation Amendment Bill

The results had shown opposition to selling conservation land included people in Auckland, towns, and rural areas.

“New Zealanders are telling us loud and clear in an election year that selling conservation land is something they will not support.“

He said nearly half of voters had said they would be less likely to vote for a party that supported allowing the sale of public conservation land.

Fish and Game chief executive Corina Jordan said the organisation was working on a submission to the bill.

“Our main focus areas are; to ensure that hunting and fishing values and our species and their habitats are recognised in the bill so we can influence future decisions. We will also be highlighting the need to ensure that access isn’t impacted so all New Zealanders can get out in nature and benefit from it,” she said.

Butterick encouraged people to read the bill and engage through the select committee process. Submissions on the bill close on Thursday, July 2.