
10/1/03
DOC
1144 Pukaki Street
Rotorua
Attention Jason Ward
Request for an extension to present submissions
to the Volkner Rocks Marine Reserve proposal.
Dear Jason,
We write requesting an extension of time to enable us to prepare
submissions to the Te Paepae Aotea (Volkner Rocks) Marine Reserve
proposal.
The notice inviting submissions to this proposal was dated 14/11/02.
The notice gave two months for submissions to be prepared and presented
with a closing date of 14/1/03.
We have simply not been able to coordinate the resources to prepare
submissions in this time frame. Under normal circumstances two months
is not sufficient for us to promote the all important and very necessary
processes that our respective organisations require to consult with
members and the public at large, never mind coordinating the people
required to compile and check the submission to the extent that
is deemed necessary. The local clubs and individuals who have sought
guidance from our groups have also indicated that they need more
time to submit to the best of their ability.
On this occasion the two-month period finishing on 14/1/03 has
coincided with the pre Christmas rush and the New Zealand holiday
period of Christmas and New Year. Most of those individuals who
work so hard to represent the fishing public of New Zealand are
not available to contribute over this period. We are, generally
speaking, family orientated people who put family first at this
time of year. There are no waged or salaried people currently employed
by these organisations, who might be expected to coordinate and
polish submissions during this time of celebration and rest.
We are aware most fishing clubs don't hold a monthly meeting during
the month of December and clubs who had their monthly meeting prior
to 14/11/02 have not had the opportunity to discuss the matter amongst
themselves. Some clubs committees may not have even seen the documentation
at this stage.
To that end, we formally request an extension to the submission
deadline and undertake to deliver submissions by 14/2/02. We would
expect this extension to be available to all submitters.
We very much look forward to your agreement and consent to this
request. A response in the affirmative would certainly be seen as
a show of good faith and enthusiasm by the Department to hear what
all sectors of the public have to contribute to the proposal.
We, the undersigned, remain yours in good faith,
Ross Gildon, President, NZRFC
Jeff Romerill, President, NZBGFC
Paul Barnes, Project Leader, option4.co.nz
The reply from DoC received the same day
Dear Scott,
Thank you for your email and attached letter outlining your request
for a time extension for Te Paepae Aotea (Volkner Rocks) Marine
Reserve Submission period.
The Department has no legal power under the Marine Reserves Act
1971 to grant extensions to the mandatory 2 month time period for
public objections to a marine reserve application. However, provided
brief objections are received no later than 14 January 2003, the
objectors are entitled to elaborate or expand on the details of
that objection by providing a further written submission at a later
date. It is essential that if you wish to be part of the process
that notice of objection is received on or before 14 January 2003.
To ensure that all relevant material is received by the Minister
of Conservation more detailed grounds for objections should be provided
to the Department as soon as reasonably possible (by 14 February
2003). Please note that the right to make a more detailed objection
is only available to those that have lodged an objection within
the submission period (ie between 14 November 2002 and 14 January
2003).
It is recommended that anybody that lodges an objection, and wishes
to provide a further written submission at a later date, states
this intent on their objection.
I trust that this will enable you the time to lodge objections
(submissions)
Yours faithfully
Jason Ward
Community Relations Officer (Coastal Planner)
BOP Conservancy
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