The first major review of conservation boards says they should better represent the communities they serve.
A committee appointed by the Minister of Conservation has issued its findings of a review of the boards, which act as independent bodies between communities and the Department of Conservation.
Appointments to them have been delayed while the review was being done.
The boards were started in 1987.
Conservation Parliamentary Private Secretary Nicky Wagner says board appointments next year need to be more diverse.
She says a need for a greater focus on recreation activities will be taken into account when appointments are made.
Ms Wagner says the population has changed along with what people want to do on conservation land.
But the Green Party says changes will be counter-productive and threaten the independence of the boards.
