This page is about a bill. That means that it's not the law yet, but some people want it to be the law. It could change quickly, and some of the information is just a draft.

Natural Environment Bill

Key roles - Functions and powers of central and local government

216: Powers of Minister

You could also call this:

"The Minister's Extra Powers to Protect the Environment"

Illustration for Natural Environment Bill

The Minister will have some extra powers if this bill becomes law. You can find these powers in sections 201, 202, 204, and 207 of the Planning Act 2025. The Minister can use these powers as if they were part of this Natural Environment Bill. The Minister must follow certain rules when using these powers. You can find these rules in section 206 of the Planning Act 2025. The Minister has to do what this section says when using the extra powers. The Minister's extra powers will help them make decisions about the natural environment. These powers are in addition to the other powers the Minister already has. The Minister will use these powers to help protect the natural environment.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1557552.

This page was last updated on 14 December 2025 — View changes

Topics:

Environment and resources > ConservationEnvironment and resources > Town planning

215: Functions of Minister, or

"The Minister's Jobs to Protect the Environment"

217: Minister may direct preparation of plan, document, change, or variation, or

"The Minister can ask a council to create or change a plan to help the environment."

Part 5Key roles
Functions and powers of central and local government

216Powers of Minister

In addition to the powers set out in this subpart, the Minister may exercise the powers set out in sections 201, 202, 204, and 207 of the Planning Act 2025 as if they applied in relation to this Act and with all necessary modifications.
The exercise of the powers under subsection (1) is subject to any applicable requirements set out in section 206 of the Planning Act 2025.