The Government has reversed course on controversial proposals that would have expanded the amount of conservation land eligible for sale or exchange, following widespread criticism from environmental groups and the public.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced the Government will remove the disposal and exchange provisions from the Conservation Amendment Bill, saying officials had not clearly explained how the proposed changes would benefit conservation outcomes.
“New Zealanders care deeply about conservation – and so does the Government,” Mr Potaka said.
“We have heard loud and clear the concerns about the potential disposal or exchange of conservation land, and we are acting on those concerns by removing those provisions from this bill.”
The decision comes after meetings with environmental advocacy groups Forest & Bird and the Environmental Defence Society, which had strongly opposed the proposals.
One of the most contentious changes would have made an additional 2.8 million hectares of conservation land eligible for sale, on top of the 2.4 million hectares of stewardship land already able to be considered for disposal under existing rules. Proceeds from any sales were intended to be reinvested into conservation and biodiversity projects.
However, critics argued the changes would weaken protections for public conservation land, reduce public oversight of decision-making, and make it easier for development, commercial activities and land exchanges to occur in protected areas.
Forest & Bird warned the proposals could have significant impacts on New Zealand’s biodiversity, ecosystems, landscapes and cultural heritage.
Despite removing the controversial provisions, Mr Potaka said the Conservation Amendment Bill remains a major reform package aimed at modernising conservation management, supporting economic development and improving environmental outcomes.
“This remains the most significant reform of conservation legislation in nearly 40 years,” he said.
“It will improve the conservation system for all New Zealanders.
“But to achieve that we need to be very clear about what we’re doing, and why. We have listened and we have acted.”
The Minister said he would continue working with environmental organisations, iwi and other stakeholders to review the bill’s economic development provisions and ensure they support strong conservation outcomes.
The legislation is currently before a parliamentary select committee.
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