Estimates of appropriations

Vote Conservation - Environment Sector - Estimates 2016/2017

Publication type:
Estimates of appropriations
Status:
Superseded
Document (signed) date:
Issue date:
Part of:
Corporate author:
Government of New Zealand
Viewpoint:
Government
Publication category:
Budgets of the government
Copyright:
© Crown Copyright, Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
Fiscal year:
2016/17
Budget year:
2016
Budget vote:
Conservation

Formats and related files

APPROPRIATION MINISTER(S): Minister of Conservation (M16), Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations (M74)

APPROPRIATION ADMINISTRATOR: Department of Conservation

RESPONSIBLE MINISTER FOR DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION: Minister of Conservation

Overview of the Vote#

The Minister of Conservation is responsible for appropriations in the Vote for the 2016/17 financial year covering the following:

  • a total of nearly $32 million for working with communities to protect natural and historic resources (7% of the vote)
  • a total of over $3 million for services to control weed and animal pests on lands administered by the department in relation to regional pest management plans (1% of the vote)
  • a total of nearly $6 million for the protection and conservation management of historic heritage (1% of the vote)
  • a total of nearly $161 million for the management of natural heritage including the maintenance, restoration and protection of ecosystems, habitats and species (37% of the vote)
  • a total of over $143 million for recreational facilities and services, and the management of business concessions (33% of the vote)
  • a total of over $6 million for management services of natural and historic places, ongoing management and maintenance of the Moutua Gardens Reserve, and funding for projects for the Community Conservation Partnerships Fund (2% of the vote)
  • assistance to the Southland District Council for additional community infrastructure arising from increased visitor numbers of $365,000 (under 1% of the vote)
  • a total of over $6 million for non-departmental other expenses (1% of the vote) regarding compensation payments, depreciation on crown property, plant and equipment, loss on disposal of crown property, plant and equipment, Matauranga Maori Fund, payment of rates on properties for concessionaires, provision for bad and doubtful debts, subscriptions to international organisations, vesting of reserves and Waikaremoana Lakebed lease
  • a total of nearly $34 million for the identification and implementation of protection for natural and historic places, and policy advice, statutory planning, and services to ministers and statutory bodies (8% of the vote)
  • a total of over $35 million for departmental capital expenditure (8% of the vote) regarding property, plant, equipment and intangible assets, and
  • a total of over $3 million for non-departmental capital expenditure regarding crown land acquisitions, Pike River Memorial and Museum and the purchase and development of reserves (1% of the vote).

The Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations is responsible for an appropriation in the Vote for 2016/17 financial year covering a total of $50,000 (under 1% of the vote) for other expenses to be incurred by the Crown regarding the impairment of public conservation land.

Details of these appropriations are set out in Parts 2-4.

Details of Appropriations and Capital Injections#

Annual and Permanent Appropriations#

  2015/16 2016/17
Titles and Scopes of Appropriations by Appropriation Type Final
Budgeted
$000		 Estimated
Actual
$000		 Budget
$000

Departmental Output Expenses

      

Conservation with the Community (M16)

This appropriation is limited to public awareness and educational services, and growing conservation through building partnerships with others, including iwi, councils, community groups, businesses, and individuals.		 32,003 30,841 31,754

Crown Contribution to Regional Pest Management (M16)

This appropriation is limited to delivery of services to control weed and animal pests on lands administered by the Department of Conservation to meet statutory good neighbour obligations and negotiated outcomes of regional pest management plans.		 3,291 3,275 3,291

Management of Historic Heritage (M16)

This appropriation is limited to the protection and conservation management of historic heritage.		 7,089 5,158 5,779

Management of Natural Heritage (M16)

This appropriation is limited to maintaining, restoring and protecting ecosystems, habitats and species.		 187,877 180,516 160,639

Management of Recreational Opportunities (M16)

This appropriation is limited to recreational facilities and services, and the management of business concessions.		 148,346 145,253 143,345

Total Departmental Output Expenses

 378,606 365,043 344,808

Departmental Capital Expenditure

      

Department of Conservation - Capital Expenditure PLA (M16)

This appropriation is limited to the purchase or development of assets by and for the use of the Department of Conservation, as authorised by section 24(1) of the Public Finance Act 1989.		 35,001 25,001 35,216

Total Departmental Capital Expenditure

 35,001 25,001 35,216

Non-Departmental Output Expenses

      

Community Conservation Partnerships Fund (M16)

This appropriation is limited to grants: for community groups and private landowners to undertake work on public and private land; to provide private land managers with information and advice, or assistance with pest and weed control, fencing and other biodiversity management actions; and to support community biodiversity restoration initiatives.		 7,990 705 4,609

Management Services - Natural and Historic Places (M16)

This appropriation is limited to management services for properties with historical or natural significance, including maintenance work, access for the public and management advice on covenanted properties.		 1,977 1,865 1,862

Moutoa Gardens/Pakaitore (M16)

This appropriation is limited to the ongoing management and maintenance of the Moutoa Gardens Reserve.		 23 23 23

Stewart Island Infrastructure (M16)

This appropriation is limited to assistance to the Southland District Council for additional community infrastructure arising from increased visitor numbers on Stewart Island.		 50 50 365

Total Non-Departmental Output Expenses

 10,040 2,643 6,859

Non-Departmental Other Expenses

      

Compensation Payments (M16)

This appropriation is limited to making obligatory compensation payments: when esplanade reserves are created, and upon vesting of coastal marine areas in the Crown.		 60 60 60

Depreciation - Crown Property, Plant and Equipment (M16)

This appropriation is limited to the depreciation on Crown property, plant and equipment on Crown land administered by the Department of Conservation.		 1,004 1,004 1,008

Impairment of Public Conservation Land (M74)

This appropriation is limited to the impairment in value of Public Conservation land to be transferred to iwi as part of Treaty of Waitangi Settlements.		 5,455 50 50

Loss on Disposal of Crown Property, Plant and Equipment (M16)

This appropriation is limited to losses incurred on the disposal of Crown property, plant and equipment.		 600 600 2,525

Matauranga Maori Fund (M16)

This appropriation is limited to making grants to support initiatives to protect traditional Maori knowledge relating to NZ's indigenous biodiversity.		 702 433 757

Payment of Rates on Properties for Concessionaires (M16)

This appropriation is limited to the payment of rates: on reserves; conservation areas that are used for private or commercial purposes; and for services provided by a local authority.		 839 839 839

Provision for Bad and Doubtful Debts (M16)

This appropriation is limited to the write-off of debts relating to Crown Revenue.		 100 100 100

Subscriptions to International Organisations (M16)

This appropriation is limited to meeting annual subscriptions to international conservation organisations.		 405 405 405

Vesting of Reserves (M16)

This appropriation is limited to the costs incurred in vesting Crown reserves in third parties, and Crown contributions towards the purchase of reserves by third parties.		 650 650 150

Waikaremoana Lakebed Lease (M16)

This appropriation is limited to payments made under the Lake Waikaremoana Act 1971 for the lease of the lakebed and foreshore for conservation purposes.		 241 241 241

Total Non-Departmental Other Expenses

 10,056 4,382 6,135

Non-Departmental Capital Expenditure

      

Crown Land Acquisitions (M16)

This appropriation is limited to the purchase of property for the Conservation Estate.		 2,600 2,600 1,400

Pike River Memorial and Museum (M16)

This appropriation is limited to the Pike River memorial, the interpretation centre and museum as historic assets.		 - - 144

Purchase and Development of Reserves (M16)

This appropriation is limited to the purchase of conservation land, including the purchase of reserves, and any associated administration costs as provided for under the Reserves Act 1977.		 4,076 4,076 1,800

Total Non-Departmental Capital Expenditure

 6,676 6,676 3,344

Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure

      

Identification and Implementation of Protection for Natural and Historic Places MCA (M16)

The overarching purpose of this appropriation is to support the protection for natural and historic places.		 19,266 13,245 20,903
Non-Departmental Output Expenses
      
Legal Protection Queen Elizabeth II
This category is limited to identification and implementation of protection of biodiversity on private land.		 3,612 3,612 3,812
Nature Heritage Fund
This category is limited to the identification and implementation of protection of indigenous ecosystems on private land.		 5,468 2,488 2,733
Nga Whenua Rahui
This category is limited to the identification and implementation of protection of indigenous ecosystems on Maori land.		 8,261 5,220 7,977
South Island Landless Natives Act
This category is limited to the identification and implementation of protection of indigenous ecosystems in Maori ownership on South Island Landless Natives Act (SILNA) land.		 1,925 1,925 6,381

Policy Advice, Statutory Planning, and Services to Ministers and Statutory Bodies MCA (M16)

The overarching purpose of this appropriation is to provide policy advice and other services to Ministers and other parties.		 12,287 11,687 12,925
Departmental Output Expenses
      
Policy Advice
This category is limited to the provision of advice (including second opinion advice and contributions to policy advice led by other agencies) to support decision-making by Ministers on government policy matters relating to conservation.		 8,121 7,821 8,216
Statutory Planning, Services to Ministers and Statutory Bodies
This category is limited to statutory planning and the provision of services to Ministers (other than policy decision making responsibilities) and statutory bodies to enable them to discharge their portfolio and responsibilities.		 4,166 3,866 4,709

Total Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure

 31,553 24,932 33,828

Total Annual and Permanent Appropriations

 471,932 428,677 430,190

Capital Injection Authorisations#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Department of Conservation - Capital Injection (M16) 11,541 11,541 17,446

Supporting Information#

Part 1 - Vote as a Whole#

1.1 - New Policy Initiatives

Policy Initiative Appropriation 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 2017/18
Estimated
$000		 2018/19
Estimated
$000		 2019/20
Estimated
$000
Battle for Our Birds 2016

Management of Natural Heritage

Departmental Output Expenses		 20,690 - - - -
Game Animal Council funding

Policy Advice, Statutory Planning, and Services to the Minister and Statutory Bodies MCA

Statutory Planning, Services to Ministers and Statutory Bodies
Departmental Output Expenses		  
 
 
-		  
 
 
375		  
 
 
225		  
 
 
-		  
 
 
-
Pike River Memorial and Museum

Management of Historic Heritage

Departmental Output Expenses		 - 142 142 142 142
 

Management of Recreational Opportunities

Departmental Output Expenses		 519 1,154 2,194 2,480 2,584
 

Policy Advice, Statutory Planning, and Services to the Minister and Statutory Bodies MCA

Policy Advice
Departmental Output Expenses		  
 
100		  
 
195		  
 
50		  
 
-		  
 
-
  Capital Injection 440 6,430 3,989 - -
 

Pike River Memorial and Museum

Non-Departmental Capital Expenditure		 - 144 777 - -
Share of costs for Budget 2015 whole-of-government initiatives

Management of Recreational Opportunities

Departmental Output Expenses		 (575) (565) (406) (307) (307)
Total Initiatives   21,174 7,875 6,971 2,315 2,419

Summary of Financial Activity#

  2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20
  Actual
$000		 Actual
$000		 Actual
$000		 Actual
$000		 Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated
Actual
$000		 Departmental
Transactions
Budget
$000		 Non-
Departmental
Transactions
Budget
$000		 Total
Budget
$000		 Estimated
$000		 Estimated
$000		 Estimated
$000

Appropriations

                        
Output Expenses 322,763 320,619 344,601 342,508 388,646 367,686 344,808 6,859 351,667 352,755 357,661 358,984
Benefits or Related Expenses - - - - - - N/A - - - - -
Borrowing Expenses - - - - - - - - - - - -
Other Expenses 8,239 13,803 2,957 3,836 10,056 4,382 - 6,135 6,135 4,026 4,041 4,041
Capital Expenditure 58,223 46,302 33,787 23,594 41,677 31,677 35,216 3,344 38,560 38,577 37,800 37,800
Intelligence and Security Department Expenses and Capital Expenditure - - - - - - - N/A - - - -
Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure (MCA)                        
Output Expenses 13,093 17,020 13,772 22,309 31,553 24,932 12,925 20,903 33,828 23,977 23,302 23,302
Other Expenses - - - - - - - - - - - -
Capital Expenditure - - - - - - N/A - - - - -

Total Appropriations

 402,318 397,744 395,117 392,247 471,932 428,677 392,949 37,241 430,190 419,335 422,804 424,127

Crown Revenue and Capital Receipts

                        
Tax Revenue - - - - - - N/A - - - - -
Non-Tax Revenue 19,502 17,360 17,999 23,770 18,996 18,996 N/A 18,450 18,450 18,050 18,050 18,050
Capital Receipts 4,313 2,180 472 699 21,112 21,112 N/A 2,800 2,800 2,800 2,800 2,800

Total Crown Revenue and Capital Receipts

 23,815 19,540 18,471 24,469 40,108 40,108 N/A 21,250 21,250 20,850 20,850 20,850

Note - where restructuring of the vote has occurred then, to the extent practicable, prior years information has been restated as if the restructuring had occurred before the beginning of the period covered. In this instance Total Appropriations for the Budgeted and Estimated Actual year may not equal Total Appropriations in the Details of Appropriations and Capital Injections.

The increase in Output Expenses reflects additional spending on new policy initiatives, including supporting investment in tourism, managing the kauri tree disease through the Kauri Dieback programme, securing a long-term sustainable increase in our iconic kiwi through the Save Our Iconic Kiwi initiative, increased funding for a pest control programme targeted at sites with significant likelihood of extinction or serious decline in threatened species following prolific flowering of beech and other species of forest through the Battle for Our Birds 2016 initiative and protecting the Pike River mine area by establishing a Pike River Memorial and Museum.

The reduction in Capital Expenditure reflects a reduced capital programme to ensure the on-going affordability of the total asset base.

Part 2 - Details of Departmental Appropriations#

2.1 - Departmental Output Expenses#

Conservation with the Community (M16)

Scope of Appropriation

This appropriation is limited to public awareness and educational services, and growing conservation through building partnerships with others, including iwi, councils, community groups, businesses, and individuals.

Expenses and Revenue

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 32,003 30,841 31,754
Revenue from the Crown 29,716 29,716 29,669
Revenue from Others 2,287 2,287 2,085

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the engagement of more people with conservation and increase their understanding of the benefits conservation provides. It is also intended to achieve conservation gains from building partnerships with others.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

  2015/16 2016/17
Assessment of Performance Final Budgeted
Standard		 Estimated
Actual		 Budget
Standard

Participation

      

Number of workday equivalents contributed by people volunteering.

 37,277 37,289 34,770

Number of partnerships run during the year.

 854 914 761

Percentage of partners surveyed who rate their contribution to conservation as moderate or significant, with a target of 80%.

 80% 80% 80%

Percentage of partnerships that involve tangata whenua, with a target of greater than 30%.

 30% 30% 30%

Education and Communication

      

Number of knowledge and skill sharing (education) initiatives to be provided during year.

 716 665 528

Percentage of participants surveyed who rate the initiative as partly effective or effective at meeting its objectives, with a target of 70%.

 70% 70% 70%

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Department of Conservation in the Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact		 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 2017/18
Estimated
$000		 2018/19
Estimated
$000		 2019/20
Estimated
$000
Efficiency savings and reduction in Non-departmental capital expenditure appropriation 2013/14 (374) (374) (374) (374) (374)
NZ Superannuation adjustments 2012/13 (218) (218) (218) (218) (218)

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The decrease in the appropriation for 2016/17 is due to:

  • fiscally neutral adjustment of $3 million to Natural Heritage expenses in 2015/16 only to realign 2015/16 budgets with work plans (increase)
  • reduced funding of $1.647 million for Treaty settlement implementation costs in 2015/16 only (decrease)
  • prior year expense transfers of $1.400 million in Budget 2015/16 which were not available in 2016/17 as a result of consultation delays on treaty settlements (decrease), and
  • additional third party revenue of $202,000 in 2015/16 (decrease).

Crown Contribution to Regional Pest Management (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to delivery of services to control weed and animal pests on lands administered by the Department of Conservation to meet statutory good neighbour obligations and negotiated outcomes of regional pest management plans.

Expenses and Revenue#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 3,291 3,275 3,291
Revenue from the Crown 3,191 3,191 3,191
Revenue from Others 100 100 100

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the weed and animal pest outcomes arising from good neighbour and regional pest management plan negotiations.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

  2015/16 2016/17
Assessment of Performance Final Budgeted
Standard		 Estimated
Actual		 Budget
Standard

Regional Pest Management Strategies

      

Number of regional pest management strategies with completed Crown exacerbator weed and pest programmes.

 13 13 13

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Department of Conservation in the Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact		 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 2017/18
Estimated
$000		 2018/19
Estimated
$000		 2019/20
Estimated
$000
Efficiency savings and reduction in Non-Departmental capital expenditure appropriation 2013/14 (34) (34) (34) (34) (34)
NZ Superannuation adjustments 2012/13 (20) (20) (20) (20 (20)

Management of Historic Heritage (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to the protection and conservation management of historic heritage.

Expenses and Revenue#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 7,089 5,158 5,779
Revenue from the Crown 4,663 5,663 5,365
Revenue from Others 476 476 414

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the protection of New Zealand's history and bringing it to life for New Zealanders.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

  2015/16 2016/17
Assessment of Performance Final Budgeted
Standard		 Estimated
Actual		 Budget
Standard

Historic and Cultural Heritage Restoration

      

Number of historic heritage assets for which remedial work is completed to standard during the year.

 90% of 21 = 19 4 5

Number of historic heritage assets for which regular maintenance work is on track to standard during the year.

 75% of 1,400 = 1,050 1,050 75% of 1,580 = 1,185

Number of historic or cultural heritage assessment reports completed to standard during the year.

 40% of 599 = 240 240 70% of 1,580 = 1,106

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Department of Conservation in the Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact		 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 2017/18
Estimated
$000		 2018/19
Estimated
$000		 2019/20
Estimated
$000
Pike River Memorial Track and visitor assets 2016/17 - 142 142 142 142
Efficiency savings and reduction in Non-Departmental capital expenditure appropriation 2013/14 (108) (108) (108) (108) (108)
NZ Superannuation adjustments 2012/13 (63) (63) (63) (63) (63)

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The decrease in the appropriation for 2016/17 is mainly due to:

  • Christchurch earthquake damage repairs of historic assets of $1.950 million in 2015/16 only (decrease)
  • fiscally neutral adjustment of $500,000 to Natural Heritage expenses in 2015/16 to realign 2015/16 budgets with work plans (increase), and
  • additional funding of $142,000 for the Pike River Memorial Track and visitor assets (increase).

Management of Natural Heritage (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to maintaining, restoring and protecting ecosystems, habitats and species.

Expenses and Revenue#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 187,877 180,516 160,639
Revenue from the Crown 169,112 167,112 146,090
Revenue from Others 18,765 18,765 14,549

Components of the Appropriation#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
test $000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Full range of NZ's ecosystems is conserved to a healthy functioning state 91,135 87,566 70,445
Public conservation lands, waters and species are held now and for future generations 64,800 62,261 60,414
Nationally threatened species are conserved to ensure persistence 11,567 11,113 10,784
Other operational programmes including providing support, developing tools and undertaking research and evaluation 20,375 19,576 18,996
Total 187,877 180,516 160,639

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the maintenance and restoration of the diversity of New Zealand's natural heritage.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

  2015/16 2016/17
Assessment of Performance Final Budgeted
Standard		 Estimated
Actual		 Budget
Standard

Pest and Weed Control

      

Hectares of land under active restoration this year - beech mast response.

 126,088 79,507 845,839

Hectares of land receiving treatment for rats and mustelids (new measure).

 - - 711,915

Hectares of land under sustained possum control.

 785,319 782,485 837,093

Hectares of land receiving treatment for possums.

 226,576 164,759 163,228

Hectares of land under sustained deer control.

 619,752 598,298 612,399

Hectares of land receiving treatment for deer.

 476,221 433,290 426,246

Hectares of land under sustained goat control.

 2,010,822 2,060,075 2,068,519

Hectares of land receiving treatment for goats.

 1,149,868 989,733 1,205,573

Number of aquatic animal pest eradication operations undertaken in treatable sites that meet the criteria for success set out in their programme plan.

 4 4 3

Number of island biosecurity programmes where a pest-free status has been maintained.

 67 64 77

Hectares of land under sustained weed control using a site-led approach.

 1,295,782 1,356,995 1,460,581

Hectares of land receiving treatment for weeds using a site-led approach.

 710,921 613,082 420,484

Hectares of land receiving treatment for wilding conifers using a site-led approach (new measure).

 - - 137,000

Legal Protection of Areas and Marine Protection

      

Hectares of terrestrial environment legally protected during the year.

 24,681 25,966 50,460

Ecosystems Management

      

Number of ecosystems under active management through optimised ecosystem prescriptions.

 445 445 500

Species Management

      

Number of threatened species under active management through optimised species prescriptions.

 104 104 104

Number of species under active management to ensure local security.

 350 287 260

Number of species under active management to improve understanding.

 268 175 171

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Department of Conservation in the Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact		 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 2017/18
Estimated
$000		 2018/19
Estimated
$000		 2019/20
Estimated
$000
Battle for Our Birds 2016 2015/16 20,690 - - - -
Kauri Dieback 2015/16 1,834 3,586 5,486 5,486 5,486
Save Our Iconic Kiwi 2015/16 592 940 3,114 6,602 6,815
Efficiency savings and reduction in Non-Departmental capital expenditure appropriation 2013/14 (2,897) (2,897) (2,897) (2,897) (2,897)
NZ Superannuation adjustments 2012/13 (1,691) (1,691) (1,691) (1,691) (1,691)

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The decrease in this appropriation for 2016/17 is mainly due to:

  • additional funding of $20.690 million in 2015/16 for the Battle for Our Birds 2016 targeted pest control programme (decrease)
  • additional third party revenue of $4.216 million in 2015/16 (decrease)
  • fiscally neutral adjustments of $3.500 million from other Departmental output expenses in 2015/16 to realign budgets to updated work plans (decrease)
  • additional funding for the Kauri dieback programme of $1.752 million in 2016/17 (increase)
  • Conservation Services Programme funding of $974,000 from industry levies for 2015/16 only (decrease)
  • additional funding for Save Our Iconic Kiwi of $348,000 in 2016/17 (increase), and
  • net expense transfers of $222,000 as a result of delays in passing Treaty of Waitangi settlement legislation (increase).

Management of Recreational Opportunities (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to recreational facilities and services, and the management of business concessions.

Expenses and Revenue#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 148,346 145,253 143,345
Revenue from the Crown 120,945 120,945 117,747
Revenue from Others 25,401 25,401 23,598

 

Components of the Appropriation #

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
test $000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Locally treasured destinations are managed to grow community connection with, and use of, their locally important places 42,041 41,165 40,624
Icon sites are NZ's national outdoor treasures, developed to support the growth of domestic and international tourism 26,503 25,950 25,610
Accessing public conservation land including managing facilities at destinations that support visitor opportunities 21,129 20,688 20,417
Gateway destinations are developed to introduce new participants and to grow recreation in the outdoors 18,404 18,030 17,793 
Other recreational activities including the backcountry network is enhanced to attract a wider range of visitors and increased use of these special places 40,259 39,420 38,901
Total 148,346 145,253 143,345

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve increased participation of people in recreation.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

  2015/16 2016/17
Assessment of Performance Final Budgeted
Standard		 Estimated
Actual		 Budget
Standard

Asset Management

      

Percentage of huts meeting required service standard with a target of 90% to standard (number reported at year end).

 90% 90% 90%

Percentage of tracks meeting required service standard in each Visitor Group with a target of 45% to standard. Kilometres reported at year end.

 45% 45% 45%

Number of structures meeting the required service standard with a target of 95%. Number reported at year end.

 95% 95% 95%

Recreation Opportunities Management

      

Percentage of visitor recreation and interpretation publications meeting publication standard with a target of 90%. Number reported at year end.

 90% 90% 90%

Recreation Concessions

      

Number of one off recreation concessions managed.

 91 91 180

Number of longer term recreation concession permits, licences, leases and easements managed.

 1,310 1,310 1,310

Number of recreation longer-term concession permits, licenses, leases, and easements monitored annually with a target of 5% of the number managed.

 5% of 1,310 = 66 232 18.2% of 1,310 = 239

Other Resource Use Concessions

      

Number of one-off other resource use concessions managed.

 80 80 250

Number of longer-term other resource use concession permits, licences, leases and easements managed.

 3,105 3,105 3,300

Number of other longer-term resource use concessions monitored annually with a target of 5% of the number managed.

 5% of 3,105 = 155 352 8.6% of 3,300 = 284

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Department of Conservation in the Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact		 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 2017/18
Estimated
$000		 2018/19
Estimated
$000		 2019/20
Estimated
$000
Pike River Memorial Track and visitor assets 2015/16 519 1,154 2,194 2,480 2,584
Share of costs for Budget 2015 whole-of-government initiatives 2015/16 (575) (565) (406) (307) (307)
Supporting investment in tourism 2013/14 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000
Efficiency savings and reduction in Non-Departmental capital expenditure appropriation 2013/14 (2,013) (2,013) (2,013) (2,013) (2,013)
NZ Superannuation adjustments 2012/13 (1,174) (1,174) (1,174) (1,174) (1,174)

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The decrease in this appropriation for 2016/17 is mainly due to:

  • additional third party revenue of $3.165 million in 2015/16 (decrease)
  • net expense transfers of $2.279 million in 2015/16 as a result of delays in consultations with Treaty partners (decrease)
  • transfer of capital to operating funding of $1.300 million for the Te Araroa trail and other visitor assets (decrease)
  • baseline funding increase of $1.098 million for depreciation of visitor assets (increase), and
  • additional funding of $635,000 for the Pike River Memorial Track and visitor assets (increase).

2.3 - Departmental Capital Expenditure and Capital Injections#

Department of Conservation - Capital Expenditure PLA (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation

This appropriation is limited to the purchase or development of assets by and for the use of the Department of Conservation, as authorised by section 24(1) of the Public Finance Act 1989.

Capital Expenditure

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Forests/Agricultural - - -
Land - - -
Property, Plant and Equipment 33,001 23,001 33,216
Intangibles 2,000 2,000 2,000
Other - - -

Total Appropriation

 35,001 25,001 35,216

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the renewal and replacement of life-expired assets in support of the delivery of the Department of Conservation services.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance will be assessed through the monitoring of expenditure to ensure that it is in accordance with the Department of Conservation's intentions to enhance asset management.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for capital expenditure will be reported by the Department of Conservation in the Annual Report.

Capital Injections and Movements in Departmental Net Assets

Department of Conservation

Details of Net Asset Schedule 2015/16
Estimated Actual
$000		 2016/17
Projected
$000		 Explanation of Projected Movements in 2016/17
Opening Balance 598,106 606,510 The estimated actual opening balance reflects the audited results as at 30 June 2015.
Capital Injections 11,541 17,446 The increase is due to additional funding of $6.430 million for the Pike River Memorial Track and visitor assets in 2016/17; the balance consists of additional capital funding for visitor assets.
Capital Withdrawals (3,137) - Transfer of visitor assets as part of Treaty settlements.
Surplus to be Retained (Deficit Incurred) - (2,000) The deficit in 2016/17 follows an estimated surplus in 2015/16 that will be repaid to the Crown.
Other Movements - -  

Closing Balance

 606,510 621,956  

Part 3 - Details of Non-Departmental Appropriations#

3.1 - Non-Departmental Output Expenses#

Community Conservation Partnerships Fund (M16)

Scope of Appropriation

This appropriation is limited to grants: for community groups and private landowners to undertake work on public and private land; to provide private land managers with information and advice, or assistance with pest and weed control, fencing and other biodiversity management actions; and to support community biodiversity restoration initiatives.

Expenses

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 7,990 705 4,609

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve support for private and community pest, weed and biodiversity restoration initiatives.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

  2015/16 2016/17
Assessment of Performance Final Budgeted
Standard		 Estimated
Actual		 Budget
Standard

Number of projects funded that meet deed and reporting standards.

 95% 95% 95%

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister of Conservation in the Vote Conservation Non-Departmental appropriations report.

Service Providers

Provider 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2015/16
Estimated Actual
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 Expiry of
Resourcing
Commitment

Non-Government Organisations

          
Community conservation groups 7,990 705 4,609 See above Ongoing

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The decrease in this appropriation for 2016/17 is due to expense transfers of $3.381 million in Budget 2015/16 which were not available in 2016/17 as a result of alignment of funding with the timing of grants.

Management Services - Natural and Historic Places (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to management services for properties with historical or natural significance, including maintenance work, access for the public and management advice on covenanted properties.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 1,977 1,865 1,862

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve ongoing maintenance and access for the public to properties with historical or natural significance.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Provider 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2015/16
Estimated Actual
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 Expiry of
Resourcing
Commitment

Non-Government Organisations

          
Property maintenance, security and structural review services 1,977 1,865 1,862 See above Ongoing

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The decrease in this appropriation for 2016/17 is due to prior year expense transfers of $115,000 from Budget 2015/16 not available in 2016/17 as a result of project delays in maintenance programmes of historical properties.

Moutoa Gardens/Pakaitore (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to the ongoing management and maintenance of the Moutoa Gardens Reserve.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 23 23 23

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the ongoing maintenance of Moutoa Gardens Reserve.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Provider 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2015/16
Estimated Actual
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 Expiry of
Resourcing
Commitment
Moutoa/Pakaitore Historic Reserve Board 23 23 23 See above Ongoing

Stewart Island Infrastructure (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to assistance to the Southland District Council for additional community infrastructure arising from increased visitor numbers on Stewart Island.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 50 50 365

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve additional infrastructure on Stewart Island in support of increased visitor numbers.

How Performance will be Assessed for this Appropriation#

  2015/16 2016/17
Assessment of Performance Final Budgeted
Standard		 Estimated
Actual		 Budget
Standard

Provide assistance to the Southland District Council for additional community infrastructure.

 Achieve Achieve Achieve

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister of Conservation in the Vote Conservation Non-Departmental appropriations report.

Service Providers#

Provider 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2015/16
Estimated Actual
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 Expiry of
Resourcing
Commitment

Non-Government Organisations

          
Southland District Council 50 50 365 See above Ongoing

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The increase in this appropriation for 2016/17 is due to an expense transfer of $315,000 from 2015/16 to 2016/17 as a result of delays in confirmation of community funding.

3.4 - Non-Departmental Other Expenses#

Compensation Payments (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation

This appropriation is limited to making obligatory compensation payments: when esplanade reserves are created, and upon vesting of coastal marine areas in the Crown.

Expenses

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 60 60 60

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the Crown's legislative obligations when esplanade reserves are created under section 289 of the Local Government Act 1974 and when coastal marine areas are vested.

End of Year Performance Reporting

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $5 million.

Depreciation - Crown Property, Plant and Equipment (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to the depreciation on Crown property, plant and equipment on Crown land administered by the Department of Conservation.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 1,004 1,004 1,008

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the maintenance of property, plant and equipment on Crown land administered by the Department of Conservation.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payment of depreciation. Performance information relating to the management of Crown assets is provided under the Departmental output expense appropriation Management of Recreational Opportunities.

Impairment of Public Conservation Land (M74)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to the impairment in value of Public Conservation land to be transferred to iwi as part of Treaty of Waitangi Settlements.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 5,455 50 50

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the provision for the impairment in value of Public Conservation land as part of Treaty of Waitangi Settlements.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $5 million.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The decrease in this appropriation of $5.405 million for 2016/17 is due to the write-down of land subject to treaty settlements in 2015/16.

Loss on Disposal of Crown Property, Plant and Equipment (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to losses incurred on the disposal of Crown property, plant and equipment.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 600 600 2,525

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the provision for losses incurred on the disposal of Crown property, plant and equipment.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $5 million.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The increase in this appropriation of $1.925 million for 2016/17 is due to an expense transfer for the deferred Waitangi Endowment Forest write-off that is pending enactment of legislation.

Matauranga Maori Fund (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to making grants to support initiatives to protect traditional Maori knowledge relating to NZ's indigenous biodiversity.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 702 433 757

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve support for indigenous initiatives in the revival, use and retention of traditional Maori knowledge and practices in biodiversity management, and to promote biodiversity and ensure traditional knowledge and practices of Maori are respected and preserved in the management of our biodiversity and natural resources.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Provider 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2015/16
Estimated Actual
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 Expiry of
Resourcing
Commitment

Non-Government Organisations

          
Hapu and iwi groups 702 433 757 See above Ongoing

Payment of Rates on Properties for Concessionaires (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to the payment of rates: on reserves; conservation areas that are used for private or commercial purposes; and for services provided by a local authority.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 839 839 839

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the Crown's obligations for rates on conservation land.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Provider 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2015/16
Estimated Actual
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 Expiry of
Resourcing
Commitment

Non-Government Organisations

          
Local authorities 839 839 839 See above Ongoing

Provision for Bad and Doubtful Debts (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to the write-off of debts relating to Crown Revenue.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 100 100 100

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the provision for bad debts against Crown revenue.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $5 million.

Subscriptions to International Organisations (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to meeting annual subscriptions to international conservation organisations.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 405 405 405

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve New Zealand's interests in international conservation issues.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Provider 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2015/16
Estimated Actual
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 Expiry of
Resourcing
Commitment

Non-Government Organisations

          
International conservation organisations 405 405 405 See above Ongoing

Vesting of Reserves (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to the costs incurred in vesting Crown reserves in third parties, and Crown contributions towards the purchase of reserves by third parties.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 650 650 150

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the provision for the protection of natural and historic places through vesting Crown reserves with local authorities and other parties.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Provider 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2015/16
Estimated Actual
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 Expiry of
Resourcing
Commitment

Non-Government Organisations

          
Local authorities 650 650 150 See above Ongoing

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The decrease in this appropriation of $500,000 for 2016/17 is due to the reduced number of parcels of public conservation land to be vested to third parties.

Waikaremoana Lakebed Lease (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to payments made under the Lake Waikaremoana Act 1971 for the lease of the lakebed and foreshore for conservation purposes.

Expenses#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 241 241 241

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the provision for access to Lake Waikaremoana for conservation purposes.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $5 million.

3.5 - Non-Departmental Capital Expenditure#

Crown Land Acquisitions (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation

This appropriation is limited to the purchase of property for the Conservation Estate.

Capital Expenditure

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 2,600 2,600 1,400

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the protection of heritage values on acquired or leasehold land.

End of Year Performance Reporting

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $15 million.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The decrease in this appropriation for 2016/17 is due to:

  • land exchanges of $1 million in 2015/16 only (decrease), and
  • West Coast mining compensation received of $200,000 in 2015/16 only (decrease).

Pike River Memorial and Museum (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to the Pike River memorial, the interpretation centre and museum as historic assets.

Capital Expenditure#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation - - 144

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the establishment of the Pike River memorial and the interpretation centre and museum as historic assets.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

Performance will be assessed through the monitoring of expenditure to ensure that it is in accordance with the Minister of Conservation's intentions to establish a memorial and protect the Pike River mine area.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister of Conservation in the Vote Conservation Non-Departmental appropriations report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact		 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 2017/18
Estimated
$000		 2018/19
Estimated
$000		 2019/20
Estimated
$000
Pike River Memorial Track and visitor assets 2016/17 - 144 777 - -

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The increase in this appropriation of $144,000 for 2016/17 is due to new initiative funding.

 #

Purchase and Development of Reserves (M16)#

Scope of Appropriation#

This appropriation is limited to the purchase of conservation land, including the purchase of reserves, and any associated administration costs as provided for under the Reserves Act 1977.

Capital Expenditure#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000
Total Appropriation 4,076 4,076 1,800

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the protection of heritage values by purchasing land for conservation purposes.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount is less than $15 million.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The decrease in this appropriation of $2.276 million for 2016/17 is due to the Reserve Trust balance brought forward to 2015/16 only.

Part 4 - Details of Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure#

Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure#

Identification and Implementation of Protection for Natural and Historic Places (M16)

Overarching Purpose Statement

The overarching purpose of this appropriation is to support the protection for natural and historic places.

Scope of Appropriation

Non-Departmental Output Expenses
Legal Protection Queen Elizabeth II
This category is limited to identification and implementation of protection of biodiversity on private land.
Nature Heritage Fund
This category is limited to the identification and implementation of protection of indigenous ecosystems on private land.
Nga Whenua Rahui
This category is limited to the identification and implementation of protection of indigenous ecosystems on Maori land.
South Island Landless Natives Act
This category is limited to the identification and implementation of protection of indigenous ecosystems in Maori ownership on South Island Landless Natives Act (SILNA) land.

Expenses, Revenue and Capital Expenditure

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000

Total Appropriation

 19,266 13,245 20,903

Non-Departmental Output Expenses

      
Legal Protection Queen Elizabeth II 3,612 3,612 3,812
Nature Heritage Fund 5,468 2,488 2,733
Nga Whenua Rahui 8,261 5,220 7,977
South Island Landless Natives Act 1,925 1,925 6,381

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve identification and protection of biodiversity and indigenous ecosystems on private, Maori and South Island Landless Natives Act land.

How Performance will be Assessed for this Appropriation

The Department will monitor the ongoing achievement of the identification and protection of biodiversity and indigenous ecosystems on private, Maori and South Island Landless Natives Act land.

What is Intended to be Achieved with each Category and How Performance will be Assessed

  2015/16 2016/17
Assessment of Performance Final Budgeted
Standard		 Estimated
Actual		 Budget
Standard

Legal Protection Queen Elizabeth II

      

This category is intended to achieve the identification and implementation of protection of biodiversity on private land.

      

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount of Legal Protection Queen Elizabeth II is less than $5 million.

 Exempted Exempted Exempted

Nature Heritage Fund

      

This category is intended to achieve the identification and implementation of protection of indigenous ecosystems on private land.

      

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA, as the amount of Nature Heritage Fund is less than $5 million.

 Exempted Exempted Exempted

Nga Whenua Rahui

      

This category is intended to achieve identification and implementation of protection of indigenous ecosystems on Maori land.

      

Number of restoration programmes undertaken that meet the criteria for success set out in their programme plan.

 25 11 10

Hectares of land receiving treatment for possums.

 14,000 10,680 21,000

Number of possum operations undertaken that meet their targets for operational success.

 15 15 22

Hectares of land receiving treatment for goats.

 60,860 95,308 103,926

Number of other terrestrial animal pest operations undertaken that meet the criteria for success set out in their programme plan.

 4 3 9

Number of acutely threatened species that will have improved security for one or more populations as a result of active species conservation programmes.

 5 4 4

Number of agreements where Biodiversity Impact Monitoring is undertaken to measure the effectiveness of the agreement (new measure).

 - - 40

Hectares of land receiving Biodiversity Impact Monitoring to measure the effectiveness of the agreement.

 - - 20,000

Number of kawenata (covenants) approved in each of the 3 most threatened LENZ environments.

 Reported at year end Reported at year end Reported at year end

South Island Landless Natives Act

      

This category is intended to achieve the identification and implementation of protection of indigenous ecosystems in Maori ownership on South Island Landless Natives Act (SILNA) land.

      

Number of SILNA blocks protected.

 Reported at year end Reported at year end 1

Hectares of indigenous ecosystem protected.

 Reported at year end Reported at year end 150

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Department of Conservation in the Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact		 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 2017/18
Estimated
$000		 2018/19
Estimated
$000		 2019/20
Estimated
$000
Savings from Nature Heritage Fund 2014/15 (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500)

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation for 2016/17 is due to:

  • Legal Protection Queen Elizabeth II additional funding of $200,000 for the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (increase)
  • Nature Heritage Fund expense transfers of $1.860 million from 2015/16 to 2016/17 (increase), prior year expense transfers of $4.595 million from Budget 2015/16 not available in 2016/17 as a result of commitments by the Fund that will not be expended until 2016/17 (decrease)
  • Nga Whenua Rahui expense transfers of $3.822 million from 2015/16 to 2016/17 (increase), prior year expense transfers of $4.106 million from Budget 2015/16 not available in 2016/17 as a result of commitments by the Fund that will not be expended until 2016/17 (decrease), and
  • South Island Landless Natives Act expense transfers of $12.762 million from 2015/16 to 2016/17 (increase), prior year expense transfers of $8.306 million from Budget 2015/16 not available in 2016/17 (decrease) as a result of delays due to complexities of multiple ownership of the land areas involved.

Policy Advice, Statutory Planning, and Services to Ministers and Statutory Bodies (M16)#

Overarching Purpose Statement#

The overarching purpose of this appropriation is to provide policy advice and other services to Ministers and other parties.

Scope of Appropriation#

Departmental Output Expenses

Policy Advice
This category is limited to the provision of advice (including second opinion advice and contributions to policy advice led by other agencies) to support decision-making by Ministers on government policy matters relating to conservation.
Statutory Planning, Services to Ministers and Statutory Bodies
This category is limited to statutory planning and the provision of services to Ministers (other than policy decision making responsibilities) and statutory bodies to enable them to discharge their portfolio and responsibilities.

Expenses, Revenue and Capital Expenditure#

  2015/16 2016/17
  Final Budgeted
$000		 Estimated Actual
$000		 Budget
$000

Total Appropriation

 12,287 11,687 12,925

Departmental Output Expenses

      
Policy Advice 8,121 7,821 8,216
Statutory Planning, Services to Ministers and Statutory Bodies 4,166 3,866 4,709

Funding for Departmental Output Expenses

      

Revenue from the Crown

 11,221 11,221 12,359
Policy Advice 8,021 8,021 8,116
Statutory Planning, Services to Ministers and Statutory Bodies 3,200 3,200 4,243

Revenue from Others

 1,066 1,066 566
Policy Advice 100 100 100
Statutory Planning, Services to Ministers and Statutory Bodies 966 966 466

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This category is intended to achieve effective policy advice in support of Government priorities and the Department's outcomes.

How Performance will be Assessed for this Appropriation#

The Department will monitor the provision of advice to support decision-making by Ministers on government policy matters relating to conservation, and the provision of statutory planning and services to Ministers and statutory bodies to enable them to discharge their portfolio and responsibilities.

What is Intended to be Achieved with each Category and How Performance will be Assessed#

  2015/16 2016/17
Assessment of Performance Final Budgeted
Standard		 Estimated
Actual		 Budget
Standard

Policy Advice

      

This category is intended to achieve effective policy advice to support decision-making by Ministers on government policy matters relating to conservation.

      

The satisfaction of the Minister of Conservation with the policy advice service, as per common satisfaction survey.

 At least 80% At least 80% At least 80%

Technical quality of policy advice papers assessed by a survey and robustness assessment.

 Reported at year end At least 65% Reported at year end

Total cost per hour of producing outputs.

 At most $95 At most $95 At most $95

Statutory Planning, Services to Ministers and Statutory Bodies

      

This category is intended to achieve the provision of services to Ministers and statutory bodies to enable them to discharge their portfolio and responsibilities.

      

Number of ministerial briefings (range) (new measure).

 - - 800-900

Number of departmental submissions sent to the Minister (range) - replaced by measure above.

 200-300 200-300 -

Number of Official Information Act requests received and actioned within statutory requirements, both Ministerial and Departmental (new measure).

 - - 350-450

Number of ministerial Official Information Act requests received (range) with 100% meeting statutory deadlines - replaced by measure above.

 60-70 60-70 -

Number of Parliamentary Questions received (range) with 100% meeting the ministerial deadline.

 150-200 150-200 150-200

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Department of Conservation in the Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Policy Initiative Year of
First
Impact		 2015/16
Final Budgeted
$000		 2016/17
Budget
$000		 2017/18
Estimated
$000		 2018/19
Estimated
$000		 2019/20
Estimated
$000
Game Animal Council funding 2016/17 - 375 225 - -
Pike River Memorial Track and visitor assets 2015/16 100 195 50 - -
Efficiency savings and reduction in Non-Departmental capital expenditure appropriation 2013/14 (110) (110) (110) (110) (110)
NZ superannuation adjustments 2012/13 (64) (64) (64) (64) (64)

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The increase in this appropriation for 2016/17 is due to:

  • expense transfers of $668,000 from 2015/16 to 2016/17 as a result of delays in public iwi consultation and engaging longer term with related sectors (increase)
  • additional Statutory Planning third party revenue of $500,000 in 2015/16 (decrease)
  • additional funding of $375,000 for the Game Animal Council (increase), and
  • additional Policy Advice funding of $95,000 for the Pike River Memorial Track and visitor assets (increase).