'Handshake' over conservation

The public have a week to have a say on how they want Northland's conservation estate managed for the next 10 years.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) is making a last call for submissions to the draft Conservation Management Strategy - a strategy document stating the department's goals and how to achieve them. Submissions close on Friday, March 15.

Spokesman Christopher Berry said feedback from iwi, conservation boards, interest groups and the public had already helped shape the draft strategy's direction.

The draft presented a golden opportunity for people to provide feedback about conservation management in Northland, Mr Berry said. "We're committed to working with communities into the future and want to know if we have got it right."

The new strategies also reflected national management priorities for ecosystems, wildlife and recreational resources and opportunities, and DoC had to fit regional priorities into how local communities saw and valued their natural and historic heritage and enjoyment of the outdoors.

"We liken each [regional] Conservation Management Strategy to a handshake with our communities. They reflect an agreed approach to managing conservation priorities in the years ahead," Mr Berry said.

The public can read the draft CMS and make submissions at http://www.doc.govt.nz/cms.