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
For many years environmental regulation has been portrayed as a contest between economic growth and environmental protection. Farmers were often presented with a choice between remaining competitive or meeting ever-increasing environmental expectations. Recent developments in Europe suggest that this picture … Continue reading
The Department of Conservation has selected Ngāi Tahu Farming as its preferred operator for Molesworth Station, ending a competitive process that attracted five bids. The decision has inevitably generated discussion, particularly following the disappointment expressed by former manager Jim Ward, … Continue reading
Political donations have become one of the defining issues of New Zealand’s election year. Critics argue that large donations, particularly from corporations and wealthy individuals, risk giving some interests greater influence over government policy than ordinary citizens. Others respond that … Continue reading
Nicole McKee on the progress of the firearms bill: Sorry a bit of a long post but here’s an update from me on where the Arms Bill is at. The Bill had it’s second reading yesterday and passed with coalition … Continue reading
New Zealand First’s proposal to establish a one-stop shop for irrigation dams reflects a growing recognition that water storage will become increasingly important as the country experiences more frequent droughts and more intense rainfall events. Capturing water during periods of … Continue reading
Conservation in New Zealand has traditionally focused on rivers, forests, wetlands and wildlife. These are places we can see, visit and protect. Yet there is another part of our natural environment that is quietly disappearing above our heads. Increasingly, the … Continue reading
The Government’s replacement of the Resource Management Act has taken another step forward, but once again the legislation has changed as it has progressed through Parliament. The Environment Committee has recommended extending the transition period, broadening ministerial discretion over activities … Continue reading
Growing concern over the depletion of marine life in Auckland’s rockpools by visitors has prompted calls for stronger protection, increased enforcement and greater public education. Unfortunately, the debate has also become clouded by accusations of racism as some confrontations have … Continue reading
Southland’s proposed AI data centre has sparked debate over water use, electricity demand and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. Those are all important issues. Yet one question raised during the discussion may prove far more significant than the project … Continue reading
