NZ conservation a model for others, says Privy Council

Conservation Minister Chris Carter says he is "delighted" that New Zealand's approach to conservation has been held up as a model for the rest of the world.

In one of its last decisions on New Zealand matters, the Privy Council has praised New Zealand as a world leader in conservation.

In the decision released yesterday, the Privy Council dismissed an appeal by Marlborough Aquaculture Ltd against a Court of Appeal decision which had upheld the right of the Fisheries Ministry's Director-General to deny it a marine farming permit.

The Privy Council said the Director-General was right to consider the effects of structures built in the water on fish and other marine life.

"The harvesting of resources must go hand in hand with their conservation and their enhancement," it said.

"Otherwise the resource will be exhausted and there will be nothing left for anyone to take."

The Privy Council went on to praise New Zealand.

"In recent years New Zealand has been setting an example to the world as to how to deal with these matters which other states would do well to emulate," it said.

Mr Carter cited the Department of Conservation, which he said was now working with California's Parks Service, at the instigation of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, to help make room for recreational and conservation in its parks.

"DoC has been recognised as one of the world's leading agencies in this area," he said.

The appeal stemmed from a move by three marine farmers, who began construction in the Marlborough Sounds without a marine farming permit.