JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Aotearoa’s leading environmental organisations are urging all political parties to make nature and climate an election priority and calling for an urgent ‘environmental reset’ in the first 100 days of the next Government.
Launching a joint policy roadmap today, WWF-New Zealand, Greenpeace Aotearoa and Forest & Bird warn that the recent ‘war on nature’ is accelerating environmental and climate damage and increasing long-term costs for households, communities and the economy.
The roadmap – Building a nature-positive Aotearoa for a prosperous, resilient future – lays out a vision for a greener, healthier Aotearoa and sets out practical, science-based actions to protect nature, boost climate resilience, and grow the economy.
Halting environmentally destructive fast-tracked projects, reinstating the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration, and ending destructive fishing practices in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana are just some of the policies the groups say must be prioritised within the first 100 days.
WWF-New Zealand’s CEO, Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb, says there needs to be an immediate course-correct.
“It’s time for a ceasefire in the Government’s ‘war on nature’. Nature is central to our economy and wellbeing – but short-term decisions and extractive economics have left our native species on the brink of extinction and communities increasingly exposed to climate-driven weather extremes. There can be a better way, and the next Government has a golden opportunity to create an Aotearoa where people and nature thrive together.”
Greenpeace Aotearoa’s Executive Director, Russel Norman, says:
“Political parties need to think of nature as their biggest donor. Nature gives us air to breathe, clean water to drink, and food to sustain us and our families into the future. Sure, a few destructive industries will give them a bit of cash in the short term, hoping to get regulations to trash the place for profit, but if you want to keep your biggest donor happy, then think nature first.”
Forest & Bird’s CEO, Nicola Toki, says:
“Nature belongs to all of us and it’s part of who we are. We want real, positive change for nature, the kind that actually shows up in government decisions. It’s how Aotearoa can grow jobs, wellbeing, and resilience, while leaving the natural world stronger for those who come after us.”
Beyond the first 100 days, the roadmap outlines a longer-term plan to accelerate renewable energy and clean transport, end destructive fishing practices and protect the ocean, transition to more sustainable agriculture.
It also calls for large-scale investment in nature-based solutions, restoring wetlands and native forests at scale, and ensuring polluters pay their fair share.
The briefing has been sent to all political parties ahead of the 2026 General Election.
ENDS
For media, please contact:
Ash Harder
Head of Communications and Programme Engagement
[email protected]
