The Green Party is accusing the Government of allowing industry lobbying to shape key parts of its replacement resource management laws, warning the changes could weaken protections for climate, waterways and native species.
Green environment spokesperson Lan Pham says documents obtained by the party show some industry requests closely reflected provisions subsequently included in the Natural Environment Bill. The Greens previously released documents showing Federated Farmers sought a clause preventing greenhouse gas emissions from being regulated through the new legislation; the final Bill included a provision restricting decision-makers from considering the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions.
The Greens say the changes demonstrate excessive industry influence over environmental policy and argue the Government has disregarded concerns raised by environmental organisations, experts and members of the public.
Pham says the party is particularly concerned about climate change, declining freshwater quality, struggling fisheries and thousands of threatened native species, arguing the replacement laws risk prioritising development over environmental restoration.
The Government has rejected similar criticism of its resource management overhaul, arguing replacing the RMA is necessary to reduce complexity, enable housing and infrastructure and provide clearer rules for development while maintaining environmental protections.
The political battle over environmental law has intensified during the election campaign, with the Greens promising to reverse key Coalition changes and strengthen conservation and environmental protections if they are part of the next government.
The issue also follows the recent March for Nature in Tāmaki Makaurau, where thousands demonstrated against the Government’s direction on conservation and environmental policy.
With Election Day approaching, the divide is becoming increasingly clear: how Aotearoa balances economic development, infrastructure and primary production against the protection of te taiao is shaping up as a significant campaign issue.
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