Budget 2026 has continued the decline in spending on nature, Forest & Bird says, with no sign the Government has shifted course ahead of November’s general election. 

Today’s Budget has delivered nearly $38m in cuts to baseline conservation funding, further cuts to environment funding, and cuts to the Climate Change Commission. 

“This is the last full Budget the Government will deliver before New Zealanders vote in November, and it’s missed the opportunity to chart a different course,” says Richard Capie, Group Manager, Conservation Policy and Advocacy.   

“In a year packed with climate disruption and threats to nature, cutting capability and resources for the environment makes no sense. Climate is only mentioned in the context of cuts to the Climate Change Commission – there is no mention of climate adaptation in the Budget initiatives,” says Mr Capie. 

This follows last year’s Budget, which slashed environmental spending by $1 billion and reduced climate adaptation funding by 70%. 

“Budget 2026 continues a pattern of weakening environmental stewardship in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Mr Capie. “The budget follows hot on the heels of the disestablishment of the Ministry for the Environment and proposed conservation law changes which will open up public conservation land for sale and development.” 

While the overall picture is bleak, Budget 2026 includes a handful of positive new initiatives, including the decision to restore funding for wilding pine control, loans for gas transition and solar on schools. 

Forest & Bird has partnered with Greenpeace Aotearoa and WWF to chart a nature positive path for Aotearoa New Zealand ahead of the general election.  

The organisations have urged every political party to adopt these policies, including wetland restoration, better public transport, and strong conservation investment. 

“This November, every party has the opportunity to set out its stall to invest and protect nature. New Zealanders expect public resources to be spent looking after wild places that they love and which are the bedrock of our economy,” says Mr Capie.