Walking / Hiking

Department of Conservation

The Department of Conservation is a government agency with a mandate to help people enjoy themselves in the outdoors. This is in addition to its role of protecting New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage. The department’s Maori name, Te Papa Atawhai, is significant. Te Papa signifies a box or container (for the taonga or treasures), and atawhai the act of caring, nurturing or preserving.

The Department’s main activities are:

• Expanding New Zealand’s biodiversity efforts
• Minimising biosecurity risks
• Increasing emphasis on historic and cultural values
• Increasing public enjoyment of New Zealand’s protected areas
• Engaging communication in conservation
• Promoting effective partnerships with tangata whenua (the indigenous people of the land)

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• Walking / Hiking
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