Kia ora,

I am writing with regards to the proposed addition of a Great Walk in the North Canterbury area.

Context

In September 2023, the New Zealand National Party (the lead opposition party in the 53rd New Zealand Parliament) pledged as part of its election campaign 14 million dollars for the development of a Great Walk between Molesworth and Waiau-toa/Clarence River (reported here in the New Zealand Herald).
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/new-ze...

In August 2024, media reported on a Cabinet briefing from the Department of Conservation which, largely due to financial considerations, had cautioned against proceeding with the project.
https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/35035...

Request

1. Copy of the Cabinet Briefing from the Department of Conservation to the Hon. Tama Potaka, as reported in The Press on August 3, 2024.

2. Any subsequent briefings to the Hon. Tama Potaka (as Conservation Minister) regarding the proposed Great Walk between Molesworth and Waiau-toa/Clarence River.

3. Outline of any Department of Conservation expenditures specifically related to the development of the proposed Great Walk between Molesworth and Waiau-toa/Clarence River (between October 13, 2023, and October 10, 2025).

4. Update on progress related to the proposed Great Walk between Molesworth and Waiau-toa/Clarence River since the report in The Press on August 3, 2024.

5. Summary of the alternative tracks in the area mentioned, as reported in The Press on August 3, 2024, e.g., start and end points, length, huts, and number of overnight stops.

6. Outline of Department of Conservation expenditures specifically related to the development of the aforementioned alternative tracks (between October 13, 2023, and October 10, 2025).

Thank you for considering this Official Information Act request.

Dr Luke D. Oldfield
Lecturer
Political Science and International Relations
Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington