Managing our Wetlands - Our Submission to MfE

Wetlands are one of New Zealand’s most ecologically valuable, and highly threatened, ecosystems. They are champions of carbon capture and storage, natural water purifiers, and the primary habitats for an abundance of indigenous biodiversity. Since European settlement, more than 90% of our wetlands have been lost to urban or agricultural development. Protecting the few wetlands that we have left is of paramount importance for Aotearoa’s climate resilience, biodiversity, human health and community wellbeing. This requires nationally comprehensive rules that are enforceable.

Strong and comprehensive rules protecting wetlands were introduced in 2020 as part of the Government's Freshwater Package, but MfE's recent proposals will significantly weaken these.

The proposals include changes to the definition of 'natural wetlands' which will mean that fewer wetlands are covered by the protections. In addition, the proposals are to enable certain industries to gain consent for activities that are likely to result in the complete or partial drainage of a wetland. These industries are: quarrying, land fills, managed fills, clear fills, mining, and urban development.

ELI opposes the changes which would not only weaken the protections, but make it much more difficult for councils to monitor compliance and enforce against them.

ELI recommends that the proposals are not adopted, and instead changes are made to ensure remaining unprotected wetlands, are protected by strong wetland policy, rules and regulations.

Read our full submission to MfE at the link below: