Director-General of Conservation
3.08pm Lou Sanson the Director General of Conservation arrived at the meeting. After introductions
he provided an outline of points central to his activity in recent times:
The Department is now getting clear lines of responsibilities back with operations directors
and managers and realigning some DOC boundaries (Central North Island and Nelson/West
Coast). The Partnerships component will be much smaller.
The Department’s new strategy has been released and includes 50 (up from 10) freshwater
projects. Iwi relations are going to be important in this operational area over freshwater
management.
The new CE of the Ministry for the Environment is Vicky Robinson. She has agreed to work
with Lou on water quality. Fish and Game would like to participate in any efforts on water
quality.
There is ongoing effort into controlling pests. The emphasis will be on looking at how to stop
recolonisation of areas cleared of pests. Pest free Mt Taranaki continues to be an important
project for DOC.
The subject of permits being issued to release mallard into the wild without consultation with Fish and
Game was raised. The DG asked that a letter be written to him outlining the issues.
The retirement of the Director Services Northern North Island was mentioned and his contribution to
Fish and Game was lauded.
The Conservation Infringement Fine System as submitted to Cabinet by the Minister was explained.
This is being introduced with the proposal at introduction not including Fish and Game. However,
Fish and Game is to be considered after the first year of the legislation.
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