KEY POINTS:
The Government is blocking the development of Crown-leased land around lakes such as Tekapo, Wanaka and Wakatipu.
Conservation Minister Chris Carter and Land Information Minister David Parker announced yesterday that those leasing land around high-country lakes will no longer be able to seek tenure review. The decision means those leasing the land will no longer have the opportunity to gain private ownership of it, thus preventing subdivision and intensification of land use.
About 40 properties covering approximately 200,000 hectares will be affected by the decision.
Those leasing them will have the option of continuing with their current use of the land or negotiating with the Government to return it to full Crown ownership.
Mr Carter said development of land around Lake Wanaka had been a "wake-up call" for the Government.
The ministers said in a statement that tenure review had provided "real gains" for conservation, recreation and access.
"However, the Government is concerned about the cumulative impact tenure review could have on lakeside areas as the process gradually advances across the high country."
- NZPA
