6 November 2015
Urgency for high court review of DOC land exchange welcomed
The Director-General of Conservation has agreed to the exchange of 22 hectares of conservation land from the 94,000
hectare Ruahine Forest Park in return for 170 hectares of Smedley Station, which will be incorporated into the park. The
22 hectares sits inside the Ruataniwha Scheme reservoir and DOC believes the exchange enhances the conservation values
of the land it manages. Forest and Bird has not challenged that conclusion, but has sought a High Court review of the
legal basis of the Director-General’s decisions.
In a minute issued by the Court today, Justice Collins said he is satisfied an urgent fixture is warranted because of
the financial and economic implications of any delays to the Ruataniwha Scheme.
He says the Court will do what it can to accommodate the two day hearing before the end of the year.
Mr Newman says HBRIC Ltd is pleased the High Court sees the importance of urgency in this matter.
ends