The Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 and the Land Act 1948 are the laws governing the use of 1.2 million hectares of Crown pastoral lease land in the South Island High Country.

The Crown Pastoral Land Act and the Land Act are being updated to open up economic opportunities for pastoral leaseholders, remove unnecessary regulatory barriers, and provide clearer and simpler rules for activities on Crown pastoral land. The proposed changes maintain protections for environmental and cultural values and support ongoing pastoral farming.

The Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill amends both Acts:
Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill

The Bill has been introduced to Parliament. Following its first reading it will be referred to the Primary Production Committee.  

The public will be able to make submissions on the Bill during the Committee stage.  

The Bill proposes a range of changes including:  

  • allowing leaseholders to apply to undertake secondary use activities alongside pastoral farming  
  • establishing a pathway for removing land from the Crown pastoral estate in exceptional cases where there would be significant public benefits
  • updating the rules for permitted and discretionary activities on Crown pastoral land
  • modernising the Land Act to reflect new technology, streamline administration and make the system easier to operate.

For more information see:

This page will be updated as the Bill progresses through Parliament.  

Contact Kōrero whakapā

For general enquiries:

customersupport@linz.govt.nz