Appointments to QEII National Trust and Ngā Whenua Rāhui Komiti
New and returning appointments to two conservation bodies, promoting conservation investment on private and Māori land.
PCE addresses the 2025 QEII National Trust Conference
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment recently spoke at the QEII National Trust conference.
Third Reading of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill
The Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament.
King’s Counsel appointments 2025
RMLA congratulates Bal Matheson and Alan Webb on their appointments as King’s Counsel in 2025.
Both are highly respected leaders in the field of resource management law, recognised for their expertise and long-standing contributions to the profession.
Earthquake-prone building system changes announced
The Government has announced proposed legislative changes aimed at making the earthquake-prone building (EPB) system more risk-based and proportionate, by focusing on higher seismic risk areas and high-risk buildings.
Protecting productive farmland from ETS
The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill has been passed in Parliament.
Geothermal keeps renewable electricity generation high despite hydro dip
The latest Energy Quarterly data release from MBIE shows a combination of record geothermal electricity generation and reduced energy demand in the April to June 2025 quarter kept overall renewable generation high.
EDS launches blueprint for durable oceans reform
The Environmental Defence Society has released its landmark report Pathway to Oceans Reform, setting out a practical programme to fix Aotearoa New Zealand’s broken oceans management system.
Housing Minister’s speech to The Property Council
Read the Housing Minister Hon Chris Bishop’s address to The Property Conference in Queenstown.
PCE feedback on the proposed National Conservation Policy Statement
The Parliamentary Commissioner has provided feedback to the Department of Conservation regarding their consultation on proposed content for a National Conservation Policy Statement.
PCE letter response to Waihi North invitation to comment
The fast-track panel, considering the Waihi North application invited the PCE to comment on the project.
The Parliamentary Commissioner recommended that the panel pay particular attention to certain aspects of the project in its assessment, including the need for a robust and reliable assessment of both the benefits and costs (CBA) of the proposed project.
Removing barriers to aquaculture growth
Another piece of red tape potentially curtailing the growth of the aquaculture industry has been cut with the passing of a bill that protects marine farmers from costly consent reviews.