Stakeholders

  • Partnerships and Agreements

The key stakeholders are the Department of Conservation, the Canopy Conservation Trust, Rotorua Canopy Tours and Tura te Ngakau ki Ngongotahā (Mana Whenua). They are managed/consulted via a community conservation agreement. The Trust has the privilege to restore the Dansey Scenic Reserve on behalf of DoC (Te Papa Atawhai) through a Community Conservation Agreement.  The Agreement starting in 2019 is now on its second iteration which was re-signed in April 2024 and it’s between the key stakeholders of DoC, the Trust, Rotorua Canopy Tours and Manawhenua who are Tura te Ngakau ki Ngongotahā.  Although the agreement lacks consistent mention of iwi, they were consulted throughout the process and had final sign-off of the agreement before the signatories. Rotorua Canopy Tours has a commercial concession through DoC to operate nature, adventure zipline experiences in the concerned area as well as being the biggest financial supporter of the Trust, they also deliver the conservation work and management on behalf of the Trust (more detail provided in the Conflicts section). 

Through strategic collaboration and shared vision, we are poised to make meaningful strides in conservation and create a lasting impact on the natural environment.


Conservation Partnership

Introduction: Welcome to the Canopy Conservation Trust (CCT), Rotorua Canopy Tours (RCT), Mana Whenua, and Department of Conservation (DOC) partnership page! Here you'll find all the details about our joint endeavour to preserve and restore the natural heritage of New Zealand's Dansey Road Scenic Reserve.

Agreement Overview: This partnership, established under section 53(2)(i) of the Conservation Act 1987, aims to foster collaboration between CCT, RCT, DOC and local Iwi, to achieve mutual conservation goals.

Parties Involved:

  • Canopy Conservation Trust (CCT): Committed to restoring the forest ecosystem, educating visitors, and re-establishing native habitats.

  • Director-General of Conservation (DOC): Responsible for managing New Zealand's conservation efforts.

  • Rotorua Canopy Tours (RCT): partnered with CCT to raise conservation awareness, funding and foster community engagement.

  • Tura te Ngakau ki Ngongotahā (Mana Whenua): Local tribal authority.

Objectives: The Canopy Conservation Trust seeks to do the following within Okoheriki.

  • Restore the forest ecosystem through sustained predator control.

  • Educate visitors about predator impacts and pest management benefits.

  • Re-establish native ecosystems for breeding habitats and fauna rejuvenation.

  • Fundraise donations to facilitate the conservation projects.

Location and Details:

Name: Dansey Road Scenic Reserve (Okoheriki)

Area: 470.3 hectares

Legal Description: Various sections in Rotorua

Activity Details:

  • Ground-based animal pest control.

  • Flora and fauna monitoring to assess pest control effectiveness.

Consultation and Collaboration:

  • Engagement with whānau, hapū, and iwi as kaitiaki (Guardians of the land) of natural and cultural resources.

  • Collaboration with DOC for technical advice and support.

Procedures and Standards:

  • Adherence to DOC's Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines.

  • Prior approval for new traps and hazardous substances usage.

Health and Safety:

  • Operation under an annually updated health and safety plan.

  • Reporting of safety incidents and near misses to ensure a safe working environment.

Insurance and Liability:

  • Coverage under DOC's General Liability Insurance Policy for third-party injury and property damage.

  • Additional insurance policies as required by the Canopy Conservation Trust.

Renewal and Termination:

  • Right of renewal subject to compliance with the agreement terms.

  • Mutual agreement for variations and annual work plans.

Dispute Resolution and Legal Compliance:

  • Commitment to resolving disputes through discussion and negotiation.

  • Agreement governed by New Zealand laws.

Conclusion: This plan was approved and signed off by Mana Whenua prior to renewal. The Canopy Conservation Trust, Rotorua Canopy Tours and Department of Conservation partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to conservation, fostering biodiversity, and preserving New Zealand's natural heritage. Together, we aim to make a lasting impact on our environment for generations to come.

For inquiries or further information, please contact:

Paul Button, Spokesperson for the Trust – Rotorua Canopy Tours: paul@canopytours.co.nz, 0274588880

Thank you for your interest and support in our conservation efforts!

Partnerships & Key stakeholders