Forward Opposes the Conservation Amendment Bill

Forward Whakatipu opposes the Conservation Amendment Bill and recommends that the Committee reject the Bill in its entirety. Make your submission by July 2nd to tell the government we care about public conservation lands HERE.

The landscapes that make Whakatipu special don't exist by accident. They have been protected because, for nearly 40 years, New Zealand's conservation laws have put nature first. The proposed Conservation Amendment Bill would fundamentally change that.

Forward Whakatipu opposes the Bill because it weakens the long-standing principle that conservation should be the primary purpose of public conservation land. Instead, it opens the door to greater commercial use and development, making it easier for activities that may compromise the very places we value.

For our mountain biking community, this isn't an abstract policy debate. The Conservation Amendment Bill isn't just about the places we ride today. It changes the way public conservation land is managed across New Zealand, weakening the long-standing principle that conservation comes first.

The wild landscapes that make Whakatipu one of the world's great riding destinations—from the beech forests of the Whakaari Conservation Area and the trails above Fernhill, to the alpine landscapes surrounding Moke Lake and Coronet Peak—exist because nature has been the priority. That principle benefits everyone who spends time outdoors, whether on a bike, on foot, on the water, or simply enjoying these remarkable places.

Forward Whakatipu believes conservation and recreation go hand in hand. Healthy ecosystems create the riding experiences we treasure, and riders have long been among the strongest advocates for protecting these places. We know that thriving native forests, healthy waterways, and intact alpine environments don't just support biodiversity—they also create the world-class outdoor experiences that define our region.

We support improving the efficiency of conservation management where appropriate, but not at the expense of the conservation-first principle that has safeguarded these landscapes for generations. Once wild places are fragmented or developed, they cannot simply be restored.

We encourage everyone who loves riding, tramping, climbing, skiing, paddling, hunting, or simply spending time in our public conservation lands to make their voice heard by making a submission on the Bill. Public conservation land belongs to all New Zealanders, and its protection should remain its primary purpose.

Forward Whakatipu has submitted in opposition to the Bill and is calling on the Government to withdraw it and undertake genuine public consultation on any future changes to New Zealand's conservation laws. Our wild places are part of who we are. They deserve laws that put nature first.