Collaborations

Collaborations

In any partnership, especially those involving multiple stakeholders with diverse interests, conflicts and challenges are inevitable. The collaboration between Canopy Conservation Trust (CCT), Rotorua Canopy Tours (RCT), and the Department of Conservation (DOC) is no exception. Here, we outline the key areas of conflict and how these parties work together to navigate them for the greater good of conservation.

Funding and Resource Allocation: Rotorua Canopy Tours (RCT) plays a crucial role in funding the conservation efforts of the Canopy Conservation Trust (CCT). This financial support is vital for the implementation of various restoration activities, including predator control and ecosystem monitoring. However, this relationship can lead to conflicts regarding the allocation and utilization of funds. RCT, as a commercial entity, has its own operational priorities and financial constraints, which might sometimes clash with CCT’s conservation objectives. Balancing these interests requires ongoing dialogue and transparent financial planning.

Operational Priorities: The primary focus of RCT is providing exceptional eco-tourism experiences to its visitors. This commercial goal sometimes conflicts with the conservation-centric activities of CCT, such as restricting visitor access to certain areas during critical restoration work. Managing visitor expectations while ensuring the integrity of conservation projects is a delicate task that requires coordination and compromise.

Regulatory Compliance and Operational Standards: DOC has stringent regulations and standard operating procedures to ensure that conservation activities do not harm the environment or cultural heritage sites. CCT must adhere to these guidelines, which sometimes necessitates modifications to their planned activities. Additionally, any use of hazardous substances or new traps requires DOC’s approval, which can delay project timelines. Navigating these bureaucratic requirements while maintaining the momentum of conservation work can be challenging.

Engagement with Indigenous Communities: The partnership also involves consultation with whānau, hapū, and iwi, who have a vital role as kaitiaki (guardians) of natural and cultural resources. Ensuring that their perspectives and rights are respected and integrated into conservation activities can sometimes lead to conflicts over land use and resource management. Effective communication and genuine collaboration are essential to honouring these relationships and incorporating traditional knowledge into modern conservation practices.

Health and Safety Concerns: Health and safety are paramount, especially in conservation work that often involves hazardous activities such as handling self-resetting and manually resetting traps, using hand tools, chainsaws and working in the forest. Ensuring that all parties, including volunteers, are adequately trained and that safety plans are rigorously followed can be a source of tension, particularly when balancing operational efficiency with safety compliance.

Conflict Resolution Strategies: To address these conflicts, the following strategies are employed:

  • Regular Communication: Bi-annual meetings between DOC and CCT, and frequent updates ensure that all parties are aligned and any emerging issues are promptly addressed.

  • Transparent Financial Practices: Clear reporting and accountability for the use of funds from RCT to support CCT’s activities help mitigate financial conflicts.

  • Flexible Planning: Annual work plans that are reviewed and approved by DOC allow for adjustments based on regulatory requirements and operational realities.

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Proactive engagement with indigenous communities, respecting their knowledge and customs, and integrating their feedback into conservation plans. Our primary Iwi stakeholder and Mana Whenua is Tura te Ngakau Ki Ngongotahā. We are incredibly respectful that we operate on and restore their ancestral lands.

  • Safety Protocols: Adhering to DOC’s health and safety standards, providing regular training, and updating safety plans annually to ensure a safe working environment.

Conclusion: Despite the inherent conflicts, the partnership between CCT, RCT, and DOC demonstrates a collaborative spirit aimed at achieving common conservation goals. By understanding and addressing these conflicts through effective communication and mutual respect, the parties are able to work together to restore and protect New Zealand’s natural heritage. This collaborative approach not only benefits the environment but also enriches the eco-tourism experience, ensuring a sustainable future for all involved.