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'Sneaky' bill: Profit over environment, Opposition says

Otago Daily Times Online News·Wednesday, 13 May 2026·20 days ago
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Russell Palmer of RNZ The government is pushing on with conservation reforms it says cuts red tape and enables fees for foreign tourists visiting New Zealand's premium natural areas. The Opposition warns it opens up 60% of the conservation estate to sale, and changes how current Treaty settlements are interpreted. The Conservation Amendment Bill passed its first reading supported by the coalition parties, and opposed by the opposition - 68 votes to 54. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka - who called it the most significant reform to conservation law in 40 years - said it was about modernising the management of conservation land and supporting economic growth. The bill enables international visitors to be charged a levy for access to some areas of conservation land, with Potaka saying those details would be worked out at a later date. "Yes, we are going to charge foreigners to go on some tracks around the country," he told Parliament.…

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