The proposed principles in the Bill set a dangerous precedent and could constrain future governments in ways that would make it harder to prioritise the public good over private interests, and weaken existing protections.
The Bill lacks recognition for Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi and potentially narrows the role of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act in our law-making and regulatory systems.
This Bill could leave future generations with the burden of collapsed ecosystems along with a heavy price tag to restore them.
Our submission outlines the critical flaws in the Bill and its implications for environmental and social outcomes.