Major changes to NZ's environmental laws could affect fishing access, water quality and coastal areas. Submissions close 13 Feb 2026. Make your voice heard.
Parliament is asking Kiwis to have their say on two major new bills that will replace the Resource Management Act – and these changes will affect every angler in New Zealand, whether you fish saltwater or freshwater.
The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill will determine how our coasts, rivers, lakes and marine areas are managed for the next generation. This is your chance to make sure the fishing community's voice is heard.
Why this matters to anglers
These new laws will affect:
- Access to fishing spots – boat ramps, coastal areas, riverbanks and lake edges.
- Water quality – standards for freshwater and coastal ecosystems that keep fish populations healthy
- Coastal permits – rules around marinas, moorings and coastal activities
- Development vs. protection – the balance between infrastructure and preserving our fishing environments
- Who gets a say in future decisions – new rules will mean fewer people can make submissions on local projects
Whether you're a surfcaster on Ninety Mile Beach, a trout angler in Rotorua, a snapper fisher in the Hauraki Gulf or a salmon enthusiast in Canterbury – these bills will shape the future of your fishing.
What's changing?
The government is replacing over 100 local plans with just 17 regional plans. There will be more national standards and less local council discretion. Some changes could make development easier (potentially better boat ramps and infrastructure), while others might reduce environmental protections.
The fishing community has diverse views on this, and all perspectives matter. That's exactly why Parliament needs to hear from you directly.
How to make your submission
Submit directly to Parliament at: https://www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/54SCENV_SCF_BA467863-D6B0-4968-1027-08DE369D9192/planning-bill-and-natural-environment-bill
Your submission can be as short or long as you like – even a few sentences counts. Just share what matters to you as an angler. Parliament values hearing from real people with real experiences.
What to include in your submission
Keep it simple. Share your experience and concerns as an angler:
- Which areas do you fish and why they matter to you?
- What would you like to see protected (water quality, access, habitat)?
- Do you have concerns about specific changes?
- What's worked well (or poorly) under the current system?
- How do these changes affect your fishing now and in the future?
You don't need to be a legal expert – your real-world experience is exactly what Parliament needs to hear.
NZ Fishing World will be submitting too
We'll be making our own submission on behalf of the NZFW community, focusing on the issues that matter most to anglers.
Share your thoughts with us: We'd love to hear what concerns or priorities you have regarding these bills. Your feedback may help shape what we include in our submission. Email us at info@nzfishingworld.co.nz or message us on social media with your thoughts on how these bills could affect fishing in New Zealand.
Please note: We encourage everyone to make their own individual submission to Parliament – your personal voice matters and carries weight with decision-makers.
The Deadline
Submissions close at 4:30pm on Friday, 13 February 2026.
Don't wait until the last minute – take 15 minutes this week to have your say.
The Bottom Line
Whether you support these changes, have concerns, or just want to make sure fishing isn't forgotten in the process – your individual submission matters.
Multiple submissions from anglers across New Zealand will show Parliament that our fishing community cares about these issues. One submission from 100 anglers is less powerful than 100 submissions from individual anglers.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the laws that will govern New Zealand's natural environment for decades to come.
Don't let this chance slip away. Have your say.
KEY REFERENCES:
- Planning Bill (Clause 11 - public access goal): https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2025/0235/latest/whole.html
- Natural Environment Bill: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2025/0234/latest/whole.html
FURTHER READING:
- Simpson Grierson legal analysis: https://www.simpsongrierson.com/insights-news/legal-updates/unwrapping-the-resource-management-reforms
- Anderson Lloyd overview: https://www.al.nz/landmark-changes-arrive-with-the-natural-environment-bill-and-planning-bill-in-major-resource-management-reform/
- Ministry for the Environment: https://environment.govt.nz/acts-and-regulations/acts/planning-bill/
