Suspension of new SNAs passes its third reading

The three-year suspension of identification of new significant natural areas (SNAs) has passed its third reading.

Councils had to identify new SNAs and include them in district plans as part of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity.

Some SNA implementation timeframes have also been extended to 31 December 2030 under the new legislation.

As part of the review of SNAs, Ministry for the Environment officials met with selected groups and individuals with technical knowledge including ecologists, local government officials, Māori, landowners and others.

Policy options have been prepared and will be sent to Ministers in due course.

Consultation on proposed changes to the NPSIB following the review will take place early next year.