The Conservation Amendment Bill has been welcomed by TIA, in the hope it will lead to significant reforms and benefits for the tourism sector.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has welcomed the introduction of a Conservation Amendment Bill by the Government, in what has been hailed as the most significant conservation legislation reform in the past 40 years.
TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram said this overhaul is one that the tourism industry has long advocated for, as the current framework is outdated and unclear.
“This is great news, as it’s about making tourism and conservation work together better and smarter. TIA has been calling for transformation on behalf of its members for some time, including in the industry’s Tourism 2050 blueprint launched in 2023,” said Ingram.
“Visitors are drawn to our landscapes and natural places, many of which are managed by the Department of Conservation, and we believe tourism has a profound ability to advance conservation in New Zealand. Enabling a fit for purpose concession system is also a priority through this process.”
TIA made a pair of submissions to the Department of Conservation last year; on Modernising Conservation Land Management and Exploring Charging for Access and on a Draft National Conservation Policy Statement, both of which relate to today’s announcements.
“We look forward to the introduction of this Bill and following its progress. We will be active participants in the select committee process on behalf of our members,” said Ms Ingram.
The proposed legislation marks a major shift in the relationship between tourism operators and conservation management in New Zealand. Industry leaders have argued for years that the current system can be slow, inconsistent, and difficult to navigate, particularly for businesses seeking concessions to operate on conservation land. By modernising the framework, the Government aims to create a system that supports sustainable tourism growth while ensuring environmental protection remains central to decision-making.
Tourism remains one of New Zealand’s most important industries, contributing significantly to regional economies and employment. Many tourism experiences rely directly on access to national parks, walking tracks, coastal areas, and other protected environments managed by the Department of Conservation. TIA believes that a more effective and transparent concessions process will help operators invest with greater certainty while also supporting long-term conservation outcomes.
The reforms are expected to attract close attention from tourism businesses, environmental groups, and local communities as the Bill progresses through Parliament.
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