Opinion: The year 2025 is crucial for the environment in Aotearoa New Zealand. Significant reforms to the entire environmental management system are on the horizon. If the reckless decisions of 2024 persist, we could face severe long-term consequences. However, if cooler heads prevail, we might see a more thoughtful approach from the Government, resulting in effective and lasting environmental policies.
Last year was particularly troubling. New legislation weakened many environmental protections and introduced fast-track approvals for harmful projects. This means coal mines and waste incinerators—projects previously denied consent—could quickly get the green light. More projects could follow, leading to widespread environmental damage.
The reforms planned for 2025 are even more alarming. The Government intends to review and possibly replace all national policy statements and environmental standards. These guidelines are essential for protecting freshwater quality, biodiversity, and coastal areas. How local councils implement the law hinges on these standards.
A total of 14 national directives are under threat, with plans to introduce seven new ones. This marks a substantial overhaul of our environmental regulations. The Government also aims to dismantle the Resource Management Act, replacing it with two new laws focused on land use and environmental protection. There’s concern that the environmental protections might take a back seat to urban development interests.
Details about these new laws remain unclear. An Expert Advisory Group has provided recommendations to the reform minister, but the public is still waiting for the full report. The implications of these changes are enormous and could shape environmental management for many years. If these reforms tilt too heavily toward development, we may see even more drastic changes from future governments.
The outcome of these reforms lies in the hands of a small group of ministers who have shown little regard for environmental issues. Yet, there is some hope. Most of the harmful agendas pushed by ministers in 2024 have been enacted. This year, we might witness a shift toward more balanced policies with potential support across political lines. There is a growing understanding that constant changes in laws with each new government are detrimental to the country.
Development interests have dominated the Government’s agenda so far. It’s time for ministers to listen to broader concerns, especially those from environmental groups. We need a more balanced and informed approach.
There are several other pressing issues to consider. The Department of Conservation has faced budget cuts, limiting its ability to manage a third of the country. The Hauraki Gulf Bill is still pending, and the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust is scaling back conservation efforts. Further, proposed changes to the Conservation Act could potentially lower standards for protecting public conservation land. Additionally, current climate policies aren’t making the desired impact, and there are plans to constrain how fishing affects marine biodiversity. Recent signals suggest a weakening of judicial oversight over ministerial decisions, which is concerning.
Finally, while it seems likely the Treaty Principles Bill will not pass, the Government aims to repeal treaty clauses from over 20 existing laws. This could undermine environmental protections and raise constitutional questions.
In summary, 2025 is poised to be a pivotal year for New Zealand’s environment. Environmental advocates are ready to engage constructively with the Government, but we are also prepared to resist negative outcomes fiercely. The stakes have never been higher.
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Environmental opinion
