The Department of Conservation has launched an external investigation into its Northern North Island regional operations following concerns about relationships with iwi and processes including procurement and debt management.
The announcement came after RNZ approached DOC on Friday with questions regarding the region's operations.
DOC Deputy Director-General Public Affairs Sia Aston said the department was aware of concerns about how the region managed relationships with iwi and processes including contracting, procurement and debt management. An internal review confirmed some of the concerns are valid.
DOC has agreed to immediate steps including ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures.
"DOC is committed to working alongside iwi. We will engage constructively with iwi as we work through these matters," Aston said.
DOC will not make further comments on next steps until it has considered the findings of the external review.