The Otago Conservation Board agreed at a meeting in Dunedin yesterday to send the Department of Conservation's amended management plan for Mt Aspiring National Park to the New Zealand Conservation Authority for its final approval.
The move came after a long period of consultation and consideration between the board and Doc.
Doc Otago conservancy community relations manager Ken Stewart said 436 submissions were received on the plan, and more than 70 individuals or groups had attended hearings last year, demonstrating the "significance of the park to so many people".
"All the submissions were carefully considered by the department and the board, and the amended plan reflects these submissions while adhering to the requirements of the National Parks Act and the general policy for national parks," he said.
Board chairman Hoani Langsbury said the public's assistance through three submission rounds and hearings, several public meetings and much consultation, was appreciated.
"The plan is more robust because of the considerable input from the public," Mr Langsbury said.
Once final approval was received, the plan would guide the management of the park for the next 10 years.
The park, parts of which have world heritage status, extends from Otago to South Westland and is mostly a mountainous terrain popular with recreational users and home to many indigenous species.
Submitters could expect a response to the points they raised shortly.
• Yesterday's meeting was officially the last for Mr Langsbury who stood down from his position after 10 years on the board, five as chairman.
Also standing down is Ross Allan. Iris Scott and Gary Nixon's terms will also end in August but they have indicated their willingness to be reappointed to the board.
