Community involvement in planning and management for outdoor recreation in New Zealand protected areas

Abstract

Managing New Zealand’s protected natural and historic heritage falls largely on the Department of Conservation (DOC), which manages close to a third of the country’s land area and increasing proportions of the coastal/marine setting. Providing public access to this shared heritage through a range of recreation opportunities is a key management outcome for DOC. This allows New Zealanders to derive beneficial outcomes from the protected lands and places, and become more connected to their conservation. Management of outdoor recreation includes significant roles for the public, based on a long tradition of community involvement and interest in providing outdoor recreation opportunities. This involvement includes participation in planning the recreation opportunities to be provided, and in maintaining the facilities that support those opportunities. This paper explores two recent examples of community consultation in park and protected-area management. First, the community role in a major national conservation policy review is explored, with particular reference to directions for outdoor recreation provision. Then a recent national process of public consultation on determining the balance of recreation opportunities across the country is explored.

Parent Publication

• Science and stewardship to protect and sustain wilderness values: Eighth World Wilderness Congress symposium

Citation

Sutton, Steve; Cessford, Gordon. 2007. Community involvement in planning and management for outdoor recreation in New Zealand protected areas. In: Watson, Alan; Sproull, Janet; Dean, Liese, comps. Science and stewardship to protect and sustain wilderness values: Eighth World Wilderness Congress symposium; September 30-October 6, 2005; Anchorage, AK. Proceedings RMRS-P-49. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 65-73