WWF-New Zealand supports the exploration of access charging for Public Conservation Land but any new charges should be strategically implemented as part of a broader plan for long-term sustainable funding for biodiversity restoration and management.
Public access to nature must be preserved, with fees applied sparingly to avoid barriers for low-income individuals and to uphold principles of conservation, equality, and the public good. Any funds collected should be directed toward conservation efforts, and careful consideration must be given to the equity of charging models, ensuring that Māori lands remain freely accessible to mana whenua and historically significant sites remain freely accessible to all.
WWF, therefore, advocates for a balanced approach that ensures sustainable funding for conservation while maintaining broad public access to Aotearoa’s New Zealand’s natural, cultural and historic heritage.