A new Natural Environment Act is Needed - Now

Abstract

This article advocates a new mindset to protect the natural environment following repeal of the Resource Management Act (RMA). The proposed new legislation will be insufficient to protect the natural environment, which has deteriorated during the life of the RMA and now requires urgent action. A new Natural Environment Act is needed that focuses on the natural environment and embraces principles that governmental decision makers are obliged to follow. Limits must be laid down. The principles must be simple and clear and based on the many international law instruments negotiated since the Stockholm Declaration in 1972. New systems of monitoring and enforcement must be devised, with a new environmental watchdog with substantial powers.