Amenity Areas of New Zealand: Conservation and Management
In the diverse landscape of New Zealand's environmental protections, Amenity Areas serve as a specialized category of protected areas. These zones are designed to balance the preservation of nature and history with the human desire to experience and enjoy the outdoors.
Legal Framework and Management Goals
The governance of these areas is strictly defined under the Conservation Act 1987. This legislation ensures that designated Amenity Areas are not merely left alone, but are actively managed to achieve three primary objectives:
- Protection: The legal safeguarding of indigenous natural resources and historic resources.
- Appreciation: Ensuring the land contributes to and allows people to appreciate these same natural and historic assets.
- Recreation: Actively fostering the recreational features that make the area attractive to visitors.
Amenity Areas in the West Coast Region
According to data from Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), there are currently 16 designated amenity areas. Notably, all of these designated sites are located within the West Coast Region, highlighting the area's significance in terms of both natural beauty and historical value.
| Area Name | Region | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Hanlon, Inangahua West, Waiuta, Craigieburn, Ahaura Road, Nelson Creek, Ahaura River East, Lake Hochstetter, Lake Ahaura, Lake Haupiri, Woods Creek, Revell Terrace, Three Mile, Dillmanstown, Shamrock Creek, Milltown | West Coast | Conservation Act 1987 |
Key Facts
- Amenity Areas are a specific type of protected area in New Zealand.
- They are legally governed by the Conservation Act 1987.
- Management focuses on three pillars: protection of resources, public appreciation, and recreational fostering.
- There are 16 such areas listed by Land Information New Zealand.
- All 16 listed amenity areas are situated in the West Coast Region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Amenity Area?
An Amenity Area is a specific type of protected area in New Zealand managed to protect natural and historic resources while promoting public recreation and appreciation.
Which law governs these areas?
These areas are managed under the legal requirements set forth in the Conservation Act 1987.
Where are New Zealand's Amenity Areas located?
All 16 amenity areas listed by Land Information New Zealand are located within the West Coast Region.
What are the primary management goals for these areas?
The goals are to protect indigenous natural and historic resources, enable people to appreciate those resources, and foster the area's recreational features.
How many Amenity Areas are officially listed?
Land Information New Zealand lists 16 designated amenity areas.