Values on Land to be Protected

11 November 2009: Media statement

The Government today announced a streamlined approach to ensuring certain values are considered when Crown land is disposed of.

Every Crown agency, including State Owned Enterprises and Crown entities, is responsible for managing land and buildings under its control. Each agency is expected to identify and protect any values on the land before disposal. These values include:

• conservation values
• historic places, such as archaeological, historic, and wahi tapu sites and areas
• potential recreation uses
• sites of heritage and cultural significance to Maori
• potential use in future Treaty settlements.

It is expected that Crown agencies will consider and address these wider national values before disposing of land. This should include identifying whether any such values are present, seeking expert advice, and if necessary developing a response to proactively protect such values.

For more information see:

• Values on land to be protected - Hon Maurice Williamson media statement
• Cabinet Paper and Cabinet Business Committee minute on the review of the Land of Potential Interest process
• LINZ land of potential interest question and answers
  

Media enquiries: Dave Chowdhury, Land Information New Zealand, phone +64 4 496 5402, mobile +64 27 222 9566, email media@linz.govt.nz.