National Policy Direction

The National Policy Direction (NPD) is how the Government will set national priorities and direct how the new planning system works in practice.

They have released a draft version, and it is your first chance to have a say before the formal consultation next year. Feedback closes at 11.59pm on Friday 16 October. Tell decision makers why angling and game bird hunting matter to you, and ask them to recognise the habitat, recreation and access our species depend on.

 

Submission steps

  1. Draft your submission using the prompts below and create your PDF. 
  2. Go to consult.environment.govt.nz and open "Testing the approach: illustrative national policy direction".
  3. Submit your feedback online or upload your PDF.
  4. Send us a copy at [email protected] so we can share your views and encourage others.

Submissions close 11.59pm, Friday 16 October 2026.

 

Draft your submission and create a pdf here

I ask that the National Policy Direction recognise fishing and game bird hunting, protect public access to rivers, lakes and wetlands, and provide for the healthy water and habitats these activities depend on.

 

Prompt: Tell us what these activities mean to you, your family and your community.

 

Prompt: The proposed national direction would put private property rights ahead of public access. 

 

Prompt: The national direction sits above every council plan. Say what you want it to protect and provide for. Please put in your own words as much as possible.

  • recognise recreation and public enjoyment of the natural environment as a national priority
  • protect and enhance public access to rivers, lakes and wetlands
  • set freshwater health so it provides for trout, salmon and game birds, not indigenous species alone
  • protect wetlands and make it easier to restore and create them
  • make sure the housing, infrastructure and primary production directives do not come at the cost of the water and habitats that fishing and game bird hunting depend on