The Government claims its plans for a pest-free conservation park on Aotea-Great Barrier Island will not have a detrimental effect on tribal Treaty of Waitangi claims.
Public opinion is being sought on the proposal in the Hauraki Gulf, which will upgrade the status of the land from the category of stewardship, which offers whenua little protection.
The Government says the proposed park contains the largest area of forest in New Zealand which is possum-free.
Conservation Minister Nick Smith says tribes could benefit from the conservation park status.
He says there are tourism opportunities for local iwi, in partnership with the local community.
