Reserves Act 1977

Classification and management of reserves - Farming and other leases

71: Farming by administering body

You could also call this:

"Using reserves for farming if they're not being used for their main purpose"

If you are in charge of a recreation reserve or local purpose reserve, you can use it for farming if it is not being used for its main purpose. You need to get permission from the Minister first, and they can set conditions for you to follow. You can do this if you have decided it is necessary under section 53(1)(a)(ii) as part of a plan to develop, improve, or manage the reserve.

You must show the Minister that you have enough money and the right skills to farm or graze the reserve without causing harm. You also need to prove that you will protect any important natural or historic features, plants, and animals in the area.

If you are a local council in charge of the reserve, you do not need to get the Minister's permission or prove that you can do the job.

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This page was last updated on 18 September 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM444787.

Topics:

Environment and resources > Farming and fishingEnvironment and resources > Town planningGovernment and voting > Local councils

70: Special Acts dealing with racecourse reserves to be read subject to this Act, or

"Racecourse reserve laws must follow the Reserves Act 1977 rules"

72: Farming by another person or body, or

"Letting someone else farm reserve land with rules to protect it"

Part 3Classification and management of reserves
Farming and other leases

71Farming by administering body

Where all or any part of any recreation reserve or any local purpose reserve is not for the time being required for the purpose for which it is classified, or where the administering body of a recreation reserve has decided under section 53(1)(a)(ii) that it is necessary or desirable to farm or graze the reserve or any part of the reserve in a development, improvement, or management programme, the administering body may, with the prior consent of the Minister, and subject to such conditions as the Minister determines, farm or graze the reserve or that part thereof.
The administering body must satisfy the Minister that it has the financial resources and managerial ability to carry out such farming or grazing, and that it has provided or will provide adequate safeguards to prevent the destruction of or damage to any natural, scenic, historic, archaeological, geological, or other scientific features or indigenous flora and fauna.
Where the administering body is a local authority, it shall not be necessary for that administering body to obtain the Minister's consent under subsection (1) or to satisfy the Minister under subsection (2).