Resource Management Reforms

There are wide ranging concerns in the Bill but we have focused on challenges for anglers, game bird hunters and the habitats our species depend on.

You can read our full submission here.

You can read the bills on the New Zealand legislation website here:

• The Planning Bill; and

• The Natural Environment Bill.

Where things stand

The Government is replacing the Resource Management Act with two new laws: a Planning Bill to enable development and regulate land use, and a Natural Environment Bill to set a framework for the use, protection, and enhancement of the natural environment.

Both bills have now been considered by a parliamentary select committee, reported back to Parliament and have had their second reading.

Thank you to everyone who made a submission. MPs are in no doubt about how much you value fishing, hunting, and the habitats our species depend on.

The committee made some changes, some are not positive, and there are still serious concerns for Fish & Game, anglers, and game bird hunters. There was also some good news. Here is what the changes mean.

What the changes mean

Trout and salmon habitat

One of the bills requires limits to protect the life-supporting capacity of the natural environment, but the focus is only on indigenous species. The definition of ecosystem was widened to include introduced species, which was welcome, but that change did not carry through to the definition of life-supporting capacity, which still refers only to indigenous species. Because environmental limits are anchored to life-supporting capacity, local government councils will struggle to set limits that protect trout, salmon, or game bird habitat.

Also the goals do not specifically protect and enhance habitat of trout, salmon and game birds.

Public access

The new legislation does not include a clear goal promoting public access to rivers, lakes, wetlands, and the wider outdoors. Fish & Game sought amendments to ensure access for fishing and game bird hunting was provided for, including creating esplanade reserves when subdivisions are made.

Our management plans

The planning framework reduces the influence of Fish & Game's Sports Fish and Game Management Plans. New planning documents will not have to be consistent with these plans. This means the habitat and recreational values in our plans may not feature in new plans and consenting decisions.

Wildlife permits

The bills propose a new system for wildlife approvals, and regional councils will be able to issue wildlife permits. That means agencies could make decisions about culling our species without drawing on the knowledge and monitoring information that Fish & Game holds.

The good news

• Wetlands were given better recognition through amendments clarifying that they sit within freshwater ecosystems.
• Water Conservation Orders, which protect some of New Zealand's most outstanding waterways, have been kept. The committee also clarified that councils must review and monitor how well they are working.

What happens next

For anglers and hunters, the debate is far from over. The next stages of the process will be critical in deciding whether our values are properly recognised in New Zealand's new environmental management system. Fish & Game will continue to advocate for changes that protect trout, salmon, and game bird habitat, public access, and our statutory role.

You can expect to hear more from us. To stay up to date, keep an eye on this page and read our full submission here.