DoC reforms on the way

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 268, 20 December 1988, Page 1

DoC reforms on the way

More resources available on the ground for conservation woric should come ffom impending reforms of the Department of Conservation, according to the department. Last week a consultants' report on the

structure of the department was released by Conservation Minister Helen Clark. "The objectives of the reforms will be to have a relatively small policy-oriented central office with fewer administration tiers underneath," said Helen Clark. When she released the report she said the main

recommendations would be implemented. "There will be only one tier of administration between the central office and field stations," she said. "The new regional structure will be the main administration tier in the organisation Turnpage 2

DoC reform

From page 1 and will have the major responsibility for actual management of the estate." The minister says total department staff numbers are likely to be "somewhat lower" after the restructuring, which is expected to take 12 to 18 months.

"A larger proportion of the staff, however, will be engaged in "hands on" conservation work," said the minister. "Central office is expected to reduce to approximately one third of its present size." She said the central office would concentrate on the development of policy, operational guide lines and Ministerial servicing with the bulk of the scientific and other specialist staff distributed among the regions so as to ensure operational staff have good access to them. Twelve regional offices will make up the administration tier, with the Waimarino's nearest offices being Hamilton and Wanganui. "Under this tier will be a network of fully operational field stations. "While some specialist staff could be accommodated within these field stations, they will be deliberately set up as operational units, with administrative and support services being provided at the re- 1 gional level," said He- ' len Clark.