The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has urged the Environment Select Committee to set a realistic time frame for submissions on the two new resource management laws, given the complexity of the proposals and proximity of the summer break.
“The Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill were introduced last week, and the Environment Select Committee is expected to announce the closing date for submissions this week,” said EDS CEO Gary Taylor.
“The two bills total around 750 pages of mostly very new law. Moreover, they have been prepared at pace and will need careful scrutiny by submitters and the Select Committee to correct errors, address ambiguities and review bad policy content. They are incredibly important but are still a bit rough.
“The last government allowed 11 weeks for submissions on its new resource management laws but had previously released an early exposure draft. What we can’t have this time round is a fast-tracked process. People need enough time to formulate careful submissions so the Select Committee can do its work and produce good law.
“A constrained submissions period will be of great concern for all stakeholders, not just EDS.
“We request a closing date for submissions no earlier than the end of February 2026.
“We have today formally written to the Chairperson of the Environment Select Committee, with a copy to Minister Bishop, setting out that request. We are expecting an announcement on Thursday,” Mr Taylor concluded.