There are four main options to achieve legal protection on private property:
- Nga Whenua Rahui
- QEII open space covenant
- Department of Conservation Covenant
- Local authority covenant
A covenant is a legal agreement between the land holder and the covenanting agency about how the natural values will be protected. The land holder retains ownership and the covenant is registered against the title, usually in perpetuity. Both parties manage the covenant in accordance with the agreement. The covenanting agency may also provide specialist technical advice.
In some cases sale to the government is also considered. In this case approach is made to the Government’s Nature Heritage Fund.
For more information see:
- Legal protection of native land cover- Manaaki Whenua mapping tool (select ‘About Habitats’ layer)
- Legal protection- Environment Waikato