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Natural Environment Bill

Government Bill
Published date: 30 Sep 2026

Bills are proposals to make a new law or to change an existing one. Only Parliament can pass a bill. Each bill goes through several stages, giving MPs and the public the chance to have their say.

This bill replaces the Resource Management Act 1991, working in tandem with the Planning Bill.
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MP in charge
Hon Chris Bishop
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Committee
Environment
confirmation_number Bill No.234-3
account_balance54Parliament
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Read the bill

Link to NZ Legislation website

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Amendment Papers

Link to NZ Legislation website

Progress of the Bill

Details
today

Assented on 29 Sep 2026

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Act: Natural Environment Act 2026

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Royal Assent

The Governor-General formally signs the bill into law.

Resources

  • Member(s) in charge: Hon Chris Bishop
    Type of Bill: Government
    Parliament: 54
    Bill no: 234-3
    Introduction: 08 Dec 2025
    First reading agreed: 16 Dec 2025
    Referred to: Environment
    Select Committee Report(s): Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill - 29 Jan 2026, Natural Environment Bill - 19 Jul 2026
    Second reading agreed: 04 Aug 2026
    Committee of the whole House concluded: 25 Aug 2026
    Third reading agreed: 22 Sep 2026
    Royal assent: 29 Sep 2026
    Act: Natural Environment Act 2026

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