The Green Party has raised concerns over a proposed fee system.
The New Zealand government's plan to charge for access to public conservation land, released today, has been met with opposition from the Green Party. According to Lan Pham, Spokesperson for Environment, this proposal risks transforming nature into an exclusive privilege for a select few.
Green Party spokesperson Lan Pham stated that Aotearoa's parks, forests, and wildlife are treasured ecosystems that everyone should enjoy. Instead of investing in conservation, the government is pushing forward with commercialisation. "We should be encouraging people to access nature, not creating barriers," she said.
This plan has sparked concerns about private interests dictating New Zealand's conservation priorities. The Green Party urges the public to submit their thoughts on the proposal before submissions close on 28 February 2025. They also suggest that the government should fully resource DOC to ensure free and equal access for all to New Zealand's natural wonders.
The Green Party suggests prioritizing investment in conservation over commercialisation, arguing that nature is a fundamental right for everyone's mental and physical wellbeing.