New Zealand protests planned against Conservation Amendment Bill

More than 30 protests and community events are scheduled to take place across New Zealand this Saturday in opposition to the Government’s Conservation Amendment Bill. Demonstrations are planned in locations including Mangawhai, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, spanning beaches, forests, and town squares.

Opponents of the legislation are calling for the Government to scrap the bill entirely. The proposed amendment would change the purpose of the Conservation Act to include enabling commercial activities on conservation land ‘to the greatest extent practicable’. Critics, including Greenpeace campaigner Gen Toop, argue the changes would weaken protections for public wilderness areas, potentially replacing them with mining pits, private resorts, or shopping complexes.

The bill, led by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, was introduced to Parliament on 6 May 2026 and is currently with the Environment Committee. While the bill initially included provisions for the disposal and exchange of conservation land, the Government has since committed to removing those specific elements.