The government is pushing for changes to the Wildlife Act after a High Court ruling blocked the incidental killing of protected species during infrastructure projects.
The court found it was unlawful for the Department of Conservation to allow NZTA to harm wildlife while building the Mt Messenger Bypass in Taranaki.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the ruling could delay major projects such as solar and wind farms and pest control efforts.
Environmental groups warn against rushing legal changes, saying the government should focus on enforcing existing protections.
The government says the amendments won’t give developers a free pass but will provide legal clarity for future projects.
