The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is urging lawmakers to strengthen the Conservation Amendment Bill, warning that proposed changes could weaken public participation and environmental decision-making if key protections are not retained.
In a submission to Parliament’s Environment Committee, the Commissioner says reform of New Zealand’s conservation laws should improve efficiency without compromising the long-term protection of public conservation land.
The Conservation Amendment Bill represents the most significant overhaul of conservation legislation in decades. Among its proposals are changes to the purpose of the Conservation Act, a streamlined planning framework, updated concession processes and new provisions aimed at enabling greater economic activity on conservation land while protecting conservation values.
The Commissioner says the legislation should continue to ensure robust public participation in conservation planning, recognising that New Zealanders have a strong and enduring interest in how public conservation land is managed.
The submission also highlights the importance of local knowledge and the ongoing role of conservation boards in helping shape decisions affecting public land. It argues these perspectives remain essential to effective environmental stewardship and community confidence in the conservation system.
Another concern is whether sufficient environmental information will be available to support future decisions about development opportunities on conservation land. The Commissioner says strong evidence and careful assessment are necessary to ensure conservation values are not compromised by commercial activities.
The submission acknowledges there are opportunities to modernise conservation legislation and simplify administrative processes but says reforms must continue to prioritise the long-term protection of New Zealand’s unique natural heritage.
The debate over the bill has attracted significant public interest, with environmental organisations, recreation groups, iwi, scientists, land managers and businesses all contributing to discussions about the future management of conservation land.
The Environment Committee is now considering submissions before reporting the bill back to Parliament, where its final shape will be determined.
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