Forest & Bird is warning that the Government’s decision to weaken national environmental direction removes vital safeguards that New Zealanders expect.
The changes make it easier to approve mining and quarrying in areas already under extreme environmental pressure – and put some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important remaining native habitats and wildlife at serious risk.
The National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity rules were originally put in place to stop the permanent loss of important wildlife. They allowed a few exceptions, such as mining that provided a truly national public benefit that couldn’t be achieved anywhere else, and only if strong environmental safeguards were added.
The Government’s changes weaken environmental protections in our national policies and increase the risk of irreversible damage. Mining projects no longer need to show they deliver a national or public benefit before being allowed to destroy areas of important biodiversity.
“And it’s not just the mine or quarry itself anymore,” says Richard Capie, Chief Advisor at Forest & Bird. “The changes would also allow the destruction of important habitats for things like rock‑crushing facilities, coal storage sites, and piles of waste rock. These are activities that don’t need to be located in sensitive natural areas. In the face of a biodiversity crisis, this is completely irresponsible.”
Forest & Bird is also concerned about changes to the national direction that relates to wetlands. New Zealand has already lost 90% of its wetlands which are important habitats for many species. The new rules mean more of our wetlands will be put at risk of destruction for mines and quarries and associated activities such as waste dumps.
Other new national direction also poses risks for nature – the new policies for infrastructure for example, creates huge uncertainty about whether our native species, habitats, including wetlands, will be protected in the face of infrastructure development.
A choice for voters
Forest & Bird encourages New Zealanders to think about protecting the environment as the country approaches the general election this year.
“These rollbacks reflect political priorities, not inevitability,” says Mr Capie. “Environmental protections are set by governments, and they can be strengthened or weakened.
“New Zealanders will have an opportunity at the ballot box to have their say about who they feel will best provide for rivers that are safe to swim in, coasts rich in wildlife, and a planning system that will protect our special places and creatures for our children and grandchildren.”
Forest & Bird is calling on all political parties to commit to restoring strong, science-based national policy directions that protect freshwater, coastal ecosystems, and indigenous biodiversity while enabling development in appropriate locations.
“A healthy economy depends on healthy ecosystems,” Mr Capie says. “Once ecosystems are polluted and habitats destroyed, no amount of economic growth can bring them back.”
For reference read:
Making it easier to consent coastal activities, quarries and mines