Federated Farmers high country section chairman Simon Williamson confirmed he has been told of Sage’s intention to stop the process, which allows pastoral lessees to freehold areas in return for retiring land of conservation value. That started in 1998.
Sage’s office would not confirm details other than to say an announcement relating to the South Island high country is due on Sunday and she previously asked officials to review management of high-country pastoral leases including the tenure review process.
In November 2017, 125 of the 303 pastoral leases had completed the tenure review process.
Between 1998 and 2017, 302,000ha was returned to the Crown and 346,000ha made freehold.
There have also been several whole property purchases by the Crown covering a further 126,000ha, which has been added to the conservation estate.
