5 July 2013 minutes - Department of Conservation

CONFIRMED
4.1.8 NZCA response received 4 July 2013, which answered three of the Boards
letters. NZCA cannot do anything further re the non-consultation on Escarpment
Mine. The National Park issue – suggested new legislation may help, Agenda
item 8.2.1 Transfer of Land into National Parks 6 (h).
While SLM Advisor was present Board were able to discuss further and were told
that Crown Minerals Act overrides the Conservation Act. C Backes said it was
important to get the land parcels into national park as soon as possible – Board
advice given on this back in November 2011. Board had been told that the priority
was on the Treaty Settlement work. Board asked for NZCA to follow up so can be
formalised.
T Scott said a legislation change was required in Minerals Act. C Backes stressed
the need for clarification.
4.1.9 Westpower – Waitaha Hydro - nothing further to report. Board Support
Officer to make contact with Westpower re any further developments.
Action: BSO
5.0 Chairperson’s Report
S Robertson spoke on Les Wright’s death. Several members attended funeral. Les
was a significant member of Board, always gave good advice. Through Les’ work,
the West Coast story was better recorded on a historic level.
J Jones had advised of her appointment by the Environmental Protection
Authority to be on their list of Exclusive Economic Zone Decision Makers. T
Scott advised he had been appointed by Ngai Tahu to the Species Recovery
Group looking at whio. Both were to be congratulated.
Busy two months, meeting with Minister of Conservation in Nelson re
Escarpment Mine, - Westland National Park Management Plan meetings. Thanks
to C Backes and D Baker for staying with Board until Minister has appointed new
members. Thanks to M Legge for taking of the role of Chair for the Concessions
Committee.
5.1 Report on meeting with Minister of Conservation and related
developments
The visit with the Minister was at short notice, in Nelson on 21 May. Four
members attended. Board was informed of the Minister’s decision on the access
arrangement for the Escarpment Mine. There was no consultation involved.
Minister’s decision was to be embargoed until 23 May when press release issued.
M Legge indicated that the Minister spoke of a less attractive compensation
package if a quick decision were not made - as a result of the change in
legislation. Board were also able to discuss other issues, marine reserves etc.
S Robertson’s paper 5.1 was discussed and all agreed was well documented.
Doc-1233579 Minutes 5 July 2013 3