Towards a better network of visitor facilities: National public resource document Research Completed
Title
Towards a better network of visitor facilities: National public resource document
Lead Author
Department of Conservation
Organisation(s)
Department of Conservation
Publication Year
2003
Publisher
Department of Conservation
Contacts
Abstract
Visitor facilities in conservation areas, such as huts, tracks, bridges and picnic areas, are provided for the use of the recreational visitor and, in some cases, the tourist.
The challenge for the Department of Conservation is to determine what those needs are around the country—what are the recreational opportunities most desired by the visiting public?—and to tailor a mix of visitor facilities accordingly.
Presently, the department manages a diverse mix of facilities, built for a range of purposes and inherited from a range of parent agencies. In the coming years, thanks to a ten-year $349 million cash injection from the Government announced in the 2002/03 Budget, the department has an opportunity to bring this network of facilities into line with current needs.
All this must be achieved within the available funds, and within the legal and general policy parameters under which the Department of Conservation operates.
The bottom line is that existing recreation opportunities are assured. But, it is also clear that there are situations where facility changes are warranted. This may mean the removal of some facilities that do not serve a useful purpose, the downgrading or upgrading of the level of service provided by some facilities, or the creation of new facilities to meet changing needs.
In total, it will mean the Department is able to create the best mix of facilities that can be properly managed. At current levels of funding, it would not have been possible to sustain the current range of recreation opportunities sought by New Zealanders and also enjoyed by visitors from overseas.
This document Towards a better network of visitor facilities presents the background to that challenge, and outlines how a lasting and sustainable solution can be achieved with input from the community.
I encourage you to take up this opportunity to learn more about the decisionmaking framework the department is working within, to consider the proposals that will be put forward, and to provide the feedback you think will achieve the best recreation result for all people with an interest in New Zealand’s public conservation lands
Keywords:
Hut, Facilities, National park, Parks, Outdoors, Department of Conservation, Tracks, Walks, Trails, Tramping, Review
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Areas of Focus
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Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)
Topics
Capability, Financing / funding, Impacts - environmental, Impacts- social, Management, Participation, Planning
Views
1379
Added
July 16, 2012
Last Modified
July 16, 2012