Have Your Say on Planning Reforms

Submissions close 4.30pm, Friday 13 February on proposed replacements of the Resource Management Act — the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill.

While the reform is wide-ranging, NZ Arb is concerned that trees and tree protection are not clearly recognised in the proposed Bills, despite the critical role trees play in our communities and environment. For our sector, this is more than a policy issue — it goes directly to the long-term protection and management of the living assets that underpin our industry.

A NZ Arb submission working group has been working hard since the new year to prepare an industry submission, but also a template to help our members submit on the same matter.

Why your submission matters?

From past experience, the greater the volume of submissions raising consistent concerns, the more likely decision-makers are to hear them. A strong response from the arboricultural community will help ensure trees are not overlooked in the new system.

Your Submission Template

To make it easy, NZ Arb has prepared a member submission template in Word format. It’s designed to be quick to use and fully editable — members can:

• simply add your details in the gaps provided, OR

• edit it to reflect your own experience, region, and views.

STEP 1. Download the editable NZ Arb submission template (Word document).

STEP 2. Add your details in the fields provided.  You may also edit to reflect your own experience, region or views. 

STEP 3. Upload your submission via the online portal and follow the instructions provided. 

Submission deadline: 4.30pm, Friday 13 February 2026

Bills and submission information: CLICK HERE