The Department of Conservation (DoC) has admitted it failed to properly oversee the management of three DoC-owned campgrounds in the Far North.
Since 2018, the Ngāti Kuri Trust Board has retained revenue from the Spirits Bay and Tapotupotu campgrounds, with Rarawa added in 2021. DoC now estimates it is owed $1.8 million in campground revenue. Ngāti Kuri disputes that any debt exists, apparently taking the view that it was entitled to the revenue.
Official
Information Act documents also show the Trust Board has received $4.6 million
in funding, grants and service contracts since 2021. In addition, it invoiced DoC
$350,000 to manage the campgrounds during the 2025 financial year and a further
$200,000 for the first half of 2026, neither of which has been paid.
Former
DoC Director-General Penny Nelson said the department failed to put formal
contracts in place, maintain proper oversight, or respond to concerns raised
over several years. Internal reviews also identified weaknesses in procurement,
financial controls, conflict-of-interest management, and leadership within DoC's
Northland operations.
This
is not the only controversy involving DoC Northland in recent times. Clearly,
the department's new Director-General has some work to do.
REFERENCES
RNZ: DoC chief admits department failed to oversee Far North campgrounds HERE >>>
RNZ: Iwi owing DOC $2m in campground revenue welcomes external review HERE >>>