Celebration of the signing of Whanganui National Park Management Plan

10 August 2012

Good morning and thank you for such a warm welcome.  It's fantastic to see so many people here today to celebrate this significant occasion.

I would particularly like to acknowledge the chair of the Whanganui River Māori Trust Board,  Dr Te Tiwha Puketapu and kaumātua John Maihi, the Taranaki-Whanganui Conservation Board and its chair, Mr Darryn Ratana, and Whanganui Mayor Her Worship Annette Main.

This plan has been a long time in the making, but it was critical that we took the time needed to build a robust and positive relationship between the Department of Conservation and Whanganui Iwi. This relationship will be critical in ensuring that the plan can be implemented in the true spirit of partnership.

During a recent visit to Kia Wharite and the hikoi to mark the completion of the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail, I had the opportunity to visit the area and see the extent of the forests, the opportunities for cyclists and kayakers and the cultural importance of the park.

It is clear from that experience, and from reading the plan, that the connection between the Whanganui River, its people and the forests of Whanganui National Park is an important one for the region. The plan embraces that connection, and highlights the cultural, historic and ecological significance on the park. 

Most importantly, this plan sets a course for DOC and Whanganui Iwi to work in a spirit of partnership and take an increasingly shared approach to caring for Whanganui National Park.

I want to specifically mention the outstanding work that has already been done by iwi and DOC to host visitors at Tieke as part of the Whanganui Journey and the cycle trail.

There has also been considerable work done to conserve the forests through pest control, to conserve the large kiwi population, and to protect the whio (blue duck) on the rivers around the park

In recent years, part of DOC's new thinking has been around how we can involve more people in conservation and build partnerships with local authorities, NGOs, businesses and communities.

This new approach is having some really good conservation outcomes, and I am heartened at the partnership and spirit of collaboration that has resulted in the signing of this park management plan.

I am particularly pleased to see that a core theme of the plan is maximising the opportunities for partnerships with iwi, with territorial authorities and with landowners. It's fantastic to see the increasing involvement of tangata whenua in the management of the park and I hope this involvement continues to grow in the future.