Damning report on Department of Conservation restructure

The restructuring of the Department of Conservation (DOC) following National’s severe funding cuts has been revealed as failure, the Green Party said today.

The restructuring of the Department of Conservation (DOC) following National’s severe funding cuts has been revealed as a failure, the Green Party said today.

The Taribon report has reviewed the new structure of DOC after 12 months. The restructuring, one of the largest in the public service, followed the National Government’s $54 million cut to DOC funding. It resulted in the loss of 96 positions, a major loss of field staff and their expertise, and a new structure which divided staff between partnership and services groups.

“The Government funding cuts and failed restructure shows you can’t do more with less. You end up doing less with less and it’s not working,” said Green Party conservation spokesperson Eugenie Sage today.

“The Taribon report says, the overwhelming majority of staff believe DOC is now less efficient than before the organisation changes.

“The report confirms that the cumbersome new DOC structure where staff are divided between ‘partnership’ and ‘services’ arms has led to muddled and inefficient decision making.

“DOC needs to be doing more to protect our threatened species and wild places, not less.

“We need to ensure that DOC has the funding and a sound organisational structure to protect the places New Zealanders care about,” said Ms Sage.

Latest Environment Announcements

Story

Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope

The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today.
Read More

Story

Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation

The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. 
Read More

Story

Fast-Track, off the rails: Submitters show strong opposition to Bill

Despite resounding public opposition, the fast-track legislation is being pushed through Parliament with provisions that could have real consequenc...
Read More

Story

Govt’s shameful backtrack on marine conservation

The Green Party has condemned the Government’s late change to allow commercial fishing in protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf.
Read More

Story

Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment

The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. 
Read More

Story

Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond

The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing...
Read More