This change paves the way for the establishment of the new Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT).
Environment Minister Nicola Grigg assured that environmental responsibilities would be smoothly transitioned under the new framework.
“The Bill officially transfers the statutory functions of the Ministry for the Environment under the Environment Act to the Secretary for the Environment.”
According to Grigg, the chief executive of MCERT will assume the duties of the Secretary for the Environment.
“Environmental responsibilities remain a core focus of the new department. Merging these portfolios will facilitate more practical and integrated decision-making, ensuring both environmental protection and economic growth,” Grigg stated.
The Green Party criticized the decision, arguing that it establishes the coalition government (National, NZ First, and ACT) as the most anti-environment administration in New Zealand’s history.
Green Party environment spokesperson Lan Pham expressed that none of the coalition partners had campaigned on this significant change.
“New Zealanders across the political spectrum value the environment, enjoying activities like swimming in rivers, lakes, and at beaches, and fishing for kai. They recognize that nature underpins our economy. This was not something they requested.
“When environmental outcomes related to freshwater, air quality, biodiversity, and oceans are declining, and climate change is causing frequent, costly floods impacting lives and livelihoods, the government’s response is to dismantle the ministry tasked with environmental protection,” Pham stated.
