New Zealand Department of Conservation
From Open Encyclopedia
The Department of Conservation (In Māori, Te Papa Atawhai), commonly known by its acronym, "DOC", is the state sector organisation of New Zealand which deals with the conservation of New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage. New Zealand's Minister of Conservation is the Hon. Chris Carter, who retained his position after the 2005 election.
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History
The department was formed in 1987, when the Conservation Act was passed to integrate the Department of Lands and Survey, the Forest Service and the Wildlife Service. This Act also set out the majority of the Department's responsibilities and roles. A significant event in the departments history was the 1997 Cave Creek disaster, although it should be noted that this was an isolated incident and within New Zealand the department is widely recognised to be an effective, professional organisation.
Responsibilities
DOC administers most of the Crown land in New Zealand. This is almost a third of New Zealand's land area, including national, forest and maritime parks, marine reserves, nearly 4000 reserves, river margins, some coastline, several hundred wetlands, and many offshore islands. Most of the land under its control is protected for either scenic, scientific, historic or cultural reasons, or set aside for recreation.
In addition to its work managing land in New Zealand, DOC works to preserve its natural heritage. This includes saving native threatened species, managing threats like pests and weeds, environmental restoration, caring for marine life, and assisting landowners to effectively preserve natural heritage. It also looks after historic sites on public conservation land.
Providing for recreation is a major part of its core work, and this covers anything from managing family picnic sites to maintaining rugged backcountry tracks. DOC also administers the Nature Heritage Fund, and is responsible for rural fire control.
