Conservation Bill keeps clause forcing DOC to enable economic activity on protected land

The Environment Select Committee's redrafted Conservation Amendment Bill retains clause 6(ea), requiring DOC to enable "economic opportunities" on conservation land "to the greatest extent practicable." Conservation Minister Tama Potaka removed land disposal provisions but kept the clause. Greenpeace's Gen Toop called the bill "rotten to its core," warning it could lead to more open-cast mines on public conservation land. Submissions are ongoing, with a final report due in November.