Conservation land use applications processed faster with help from AI
Photo:
RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The government is celebrating faster processing of applications for the use of conservation land, including by using AI.
In a statement, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the application backlog had dropped from 1300 last September, to 550 now - with processing times improved by 180 percent.
He said AI had been used to help scan documents, and one-off drone permits now took just five working days, compared to the previous "weeks".
"We're achieving these results through a data-driven approach and smarter, more efficient systems and processes, including new technology such as AI tools helping to scan statutory documents," he said.
"Processing applications quicker means businesses get certainty faster. DOC is enabling a wide range of activities that connect people with nature and support local economies, while more quickly declining proposals where the effects on nature or heritage cannot be avoided, remedied, or mitigated.
"Around a third of the applications DOC has processed since February are related to tourism, the country's second-largest export earner, where more than 380 tourism related applications in the last three months were processed, including guiding activities in Fiordland and Heli hunt and fish concessions for helicopter landings in the North Island."
Most applications for use of conservation land are for tourism operations, but the Department of Conservation this month also approved Kokiri Lime's application to quarry 1ha of rock needed for critical roading and flood protection infrastructure projects in South Westland.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero
,
a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Surcharges on in-store payments, including PayWave, to be banned
Surcharges on PayWave will be banned. Photo: The government plans to ban surcharges on card payments in-store, saving shoppers from being stung with surprise fees when paying with contactless technology. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announced the change on Monday afternoon, declaring: "That pesky note or sticker on the payment machine will become a thing of the past." "Shoppers will no longer be penalised for their choice of payment method, whether that's tapping, swiping or using their phone's digital wallet." Legislation is expected to be introduced to Parliament by the end of the year, with the ban to kick into effect no later than May 2026. The proposed law would cover most in-store payments made using Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, as well as EFTPOS, but not online purchases or other international card schemes. The move follows growing public frustration at the cost and transparency of such surcharges. Retailers are increasingly using them to recover merchant service fees charged by banks and payment providers, but the fees are often added without clear explanation. The Commerce Commission estimates New Zealanders are paying up to $150 million in surcharges each year - including $45 to $65 million in what it considers excessive charges. In March, Consumer NZ called for an outright ban , citing hundreds of complaints about fees being too high, confusing or oblique. Both Mastercard and Visa have also supported proposals for a ban . Retail NZ has previously argued businesses did not like charging extra but should have the right to recover payment costs. It called for more clarity from banks about the fees charged for different services. The ban builds on the Commerce Commission's recent decision to reduce the interchange fees imposed on businesses for accepting Visa and Mastercard payments . Interchange fees make up approximately 60 percent of merchant service fees. "A ban on surcharges means no more surprises for people who currently feel like they're being charged to use their own hard-earned money," Simpson said. "It means they can make a purchase knowing exactly what they'll pay, and how they'll pay it." The changes would bring New Zealand into line with the United Kingdom and the European Union, where such surcharges are already prohibited. Australia still allows surcharges but requires them to reflect the actual cost to retailers. The Reserve Bank of Australia has also recently proposed an outright ban on surcharges for EFTPOS and debit and credit card payments. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Henry Puna returns as president of Cook Islands Party
Pacific Islands Forum secretary general, Henry Puna. Photo: Forumsec Former Cook Islands Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Henry Puna has been appointed president of the ruling Cook Islands Party (CIP). The CIP is the party of Prime Minister Mark Brown, who continues to serve as party leader. Puna has also previously served as CIP leader. A statement from Cook Islands Party said Puna brings "unparalleled experience" in his former roles as, party president, party leader, Prime Minister, and head of the Pacific Islands Forum. "His return to the Party Executive signals a renewed sense of stability, unity, and strategic focus," the statement said. "With Henry Puna as President, and Mark Brown leading as Prime Minister and Party Leader, the Cook Islands Party is confident in its future direction and leadership." Former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna has been appointed president of the Cook Islands Party. Photo: Cook Islands Party The change in president comes as the governments of New Zealand and the Cook Islands are in an increased time of tension stemming from what Wellington views as a lack of consultation over deals Brown signed with China in February. New Zealand paused $18.2m in development assistance last month. The statement from the party said delegates were briefed on the current diplomatic challenges between the Cook Islands and New Zealand. "One of the immediate priorities for the new Party President is to work closely with the Party Leader and Prime Minister to navigate these issues and uphold the interests of the Cook Islands," the statement said. The annual general meeting was held on Thursday local time on Rarotonga and was attended by representatives from all 24 electorates.
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
First version of list of overseas made building products available in NZ released
building national 19 minutes ago The first version of a document listing all international building products now available in New Zealand has been released as the first step in the government's plans to turbo charge the construction sector. Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcom Fleming spoke to Charlotte Cook.
