Tag Archives: hut principles

New Zealand Huts : Building blocks of the national hut system

New Zealand Huts Department of Conservation (DoC) System —

 Part A: Six Building blocks of the national hut system

(Note: this is part of the larger work New Zealand Huts: Notes towards a Country Study)

Introduction

This is the first in a series of posts (Parts A – E) providing an overview of how the NZ Department of Conservation (DoC) operates New Zealand’s collectively owned system of 962 huts.  The series includes:

  • Part A: Six Building Blocks of the DoC Hut System
  • Part B: How Many and What Kinds?  A Tally and Taxonomy
  • Part C: Operational Costs and Revenues
  • Part D: Notes on Ten Selected Operations
  • Part E: Great Walks Huts

Part A looks at what I am calling ‘Six Building Blocks, i.e. six of the key DoC documents that laid the foundations for creating a cohesive national hut system for NZ, the world’s largest. DoC’s policies and operational methods are well documented online.  The intent of this summary is to provide the reader a broad overview and links and pointers to more in-depth information.

First, a quick look at the NZ Department of Conservation as a whole.

Broad Overview of DoC

New Zealand Huts

NZ Department of Conservation Logo

DoC is the NZ government agency which operates the largest hut system in the world.  The agency was established under the Conservation Act 1987, which consolidated parts of several agencies, including the huts, tracks and other infrastructure for outdoor recreation, conservation and scientific work.   Prior to 1987 the organization of NZ land management agencies was based on those in the U.S., i.e. separate agencies for various types of federal lands.  The 1987 Conservation Act moved to consolidate many functions in one agency with a clear conservation mandate driving all land management policies and programs, and in the hope of better coordination among formerly distinct agencies with overlapping missions.  See Historical Perspectives for historical context on the development of DoC.

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Hut Principles: New Zealand Department of Conservation

This is quoted from the  NZ DoC document (n.d.) and linked to a broader piece LINK HERE:

NZ Department of Conservation: HUT PRINCIPLES

SELECTING A SUSTAINABLE CORE NETWORK OF HUTS

 New Zealanders have enjoyed a long history of access to a network of huts located at more than 1000 sites throughout the country’s conservation areas.  The majority of these facilities provide basic overnight shelter although some buildings can accommodate up to 60 people a night at popular destinations.  Between them these facilities are a significant contribution to the character of the backcountry, with many huts seen as important in their own right.  Indeed, local communities through the efforts of tramping and hunting clubs have provided many huts now available to the public.

  • Huts provide basic overnight shelter in conservation areas, complementing tent camping.
  • Huts between them create a range of opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation activities including tramping, hunting, fishing and climbing.
  • Huts may be used for a weekend away, an escape during the week, or to support a multi-day trip.
  • In order to ensure that the right mix of huts is retained into the future to support a range of recreation opportunities, the following Principles and guidance will be used to make proposals on huts. The proposals arising from the use of these principles will not directly lead to management action, but will form the basis of discussion through the public consultation process. Over time the total number and location of huts may be changed within a location and the opportunities still retained.
  • These Principles apply to most huts including Great Walk huts but do not apply to locked booked accommodation or shelters.

HUT PRINCIPLES

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