QEII National Trust is an independent statutory organisation. It was set up in 1977 to "encourage and promote, for the benefit of New Zealand, the provision, protection, preservation and enhancement of open space."

What we do

QEII helps landowners to protect significant natural and cultural features on their land through open space covenants.

The Trust’s core activity is to secure long-term protection of natural and cultural features on private land, usually by the legal mechanism of an open space covenant.

QEII acts as a perpetual trustee to ensure the values remain protected forever.

QEII works closely with the Department of Conservation, regional and district councils, the Historic Places Trust, Landcare Research, the New Zealand Farm Environment Award Trust and others committed to protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s diverse open space.

Landowners throughout the country have voluntarily protected over 111,000 hectares of their land through QEII covenants.

QEII also owns 29 properties, which collectively protect 1,686 hectares of significant habitat. These have mostly been gifted to the Trust. Effective stewardship of these properties is greatly assisted by local communities and management committees.

Features protected

Landscapes Native forest remnants High country Wetlands Tussock grasslands Threatened species habitats Cultural sites

Streams and water features Arboretums Coastlines Geological features Archaeological features Wildlife habitats

What does QEII offer?

• A relationship independent of other agencies.
• Over 30 years’ experience working in partnership with private landowners throughout the country.
• Expertise in legal protection (open space covenants) and legal documentation.
• Possible funding assistance e.g. partial fencing costs.
• Survey arrangement and costs (but not in the case of subdivision).
• Lodgement of all necessary documentation with Land Information New Zealand to formally register the covenant on the property title.
• Local QEII representatives who monitor the health of covenants and provide practical management advice.
• Open Space™ magazine two times a year; a publication providing covenant management information and promoting the work of covenantors on protecting their special places.