Monthly Archives: August 2026

Much of today’s environmental debate is dominated by regulation, restrictions and conflict. Whether the issue is freshwater, forestry, conservation or climate policy, discussions often revolve around what should be prohibited, limited or controlled. Occasionally, however, a different kind of environmental … Continue reading →

Parliament exists for more than passing legislation. It exists to ensure proposed laws are tested, challenged, amended and scrutinised before they become law. Public submissions, select committee hearings and parliamentary debate are all intended to improve legislation by exposing weaknesses, … Continue reading →

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has reignited an important discussion about the future of New Zealand’s landscapes. His latest report argues that forestry should gradually be removed from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), or at least its role significantly … Continue reading →

One of the more interesting debates emerging from the Government’s replacement of the Resource Management Act has received surprisingly little public attention. It is not about whether native bush, wetlands or outstanding landscapes should be protected. Most New Zealanders would … Continue reading →

Only a few weeks ago, H5N1 avian influenza appeared to be a distant concern for New Zealand. While isolated cases had been detected in Australia, the advice remained much the same: be alert, but avoid unnecessary alarm. Recent events suggest … Continue reading →

Recent emails and public demonstrations organised by Greenpeace show that concern about the Conservation Amendment Bill remains strong. Protesters gathered throughout New Zealand under banners calling for the Bill to be scrapped, arguing that it threatens public conservation land and … Continue reading →

The Government’s decision to halt Gisborne District Council’s proposed forestry slash rules has reignited an important debate about environmental management in New Zealand. Local environmental groups have described the decision as indefensible, while the Government argues that national resource management … Continue reading →

The recent approval of a major housing development at Ōrewa has highlighted an important planning principle that extends well beyond one subdivision. During the first stage of the development, treated wastewater may be transported off-site under defined circumstances until a … Continue reading →

The passage of the Arms Act 2025 marks the most significant rewrite of New Zealand’s firearms legislation in more than four decades. While the legislation has now received Royal Assent and become law, most of its provisions do not take … Continue reading →

Lost among recent discussion about visitor counters, artificial intelligence and improved visitor management was a far more significant revelation. Department of Conservation papers show officials considered retaining the flexibility to charge not only international visitors, but New Zealanders as well … Continue reading →

CORANZ Commentary Recent headlines about H5N1 avian influenza have reminded New Zealanders how quickly an animal disease can become a matter of national concern. Yet birds represent only one part of New Zealand’s biosecurity challenge. Every day, agencies work quietly … Continue reading →