Cave And Karst Management
NZSS
- NZ Speleological Society
- History
- Membership
- Affiliated clubs
- Calender of events
- Library
- Publications
- Constitution
- Ethics
- Member's Forums
- Contact NZSS
- Administration
Caving
- News
- Caving areas
- Caving landmarks
- Cave Search and Rescue
- Cave management
- Caving links
- NZ's Deepest and Longest
- Photo galleries
- Sitemap
Policy
This policy was written by Ashley Cody, Kevan Wilde and Trevor Worthy for NZSS, and has now been adopted as a national policy by the Department of Conservation.
- Karst Management Guidelines Policies and Actions PDF, 116KB, May 1999
The national policy introduces a classification system which categorises karst areas and caves for the purpose of access and conservation management. Three levels of classification are recognised: the cavernous and/or karst area; the cave level; the within-cave level.
The Cavernous and/or Karst Area:
Three classifications may be designated and the area managed according to the restrictions imposed by the classification. These are: restricted access area; limited access area; open area.
The Cave Level:
Individual caves should be assessed according to their scientific, recreational and cultural importance. Four management categories may be designated: restricted access cave; limited access cave; open access cave; tourist cave.
The Within-Cave Level:
This level addresses the need to manage individual passages within caves. Four categories may be designated: restricted access passage; limited access passage; open access passage; tourist passage.
Classification at all levels may be subject to re-appraisal as deemed necessary. Permits may be required for limited and restricted access areas, caves, or passages.
The above classification has been adopted by the Society and should be supported by all members. The Society recognises the Department of Conservation's national policy on cave and karst management and has agreed to conform to it. This policy was formed in direct consultation with the Society and contains the requirement for the Department of Conservation to consult with the Society in respect of classification and management.
Related documents
- Land use in karst terrain: review of impacts of primary activities on temperate karst ecosystems SCIENCE FOR CONSERVATION 198 Peter B. Urich