The scope of a review that will consider how significant natural areas should be identified, assessed and managed has been confirmed.
In May, the government introduced a Bill that proposes to suspend requirements for councils to identify new SNAs to provide time for a review of SNA provisions in the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB).
Ministers have now decided the scope of this review, which will look at: criteria for identifying SNAs; assessment and identification processes; and the management of land subject to SNAs.
Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard said the coalition government is delivering on its commitment to cease the implementation of new SNAs and review their operation.
“We campaigned on the importance of individual property rights and we intend to deliver. In their current form, SNAs identified on private property limit new activities and development, and in my view, will likely undermine voluntary conservation efforts.”
The review will examine the criteria and process set out in the NPS-IB to identify SNAs.
“I want to make sure that the most unique environments are sensibly protected, without putting undue restrictions on land use change.”
Hoggard said he agreed the scope of the review in discussions with the minister for the environment, minister of conservation and minister for Māori Crown relations.
Officials will develop policy options and seek input from groups and individuals with in-depth technical knowledge, including ecologists, officials from local government, Māori and landowners.
Any changes to the NPS-IB will be progressed as part of the government’s resource management reforms, which will include changes to national direction. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on these changes in the first quarter of 2025. The cabinet will make final decisions on national direction changes in mid-2025.
“We want to give certainty to councils and communities as soon as possible,” Hoggard said.
