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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“This is the last full Budget the Government will deliver before New Zealanders vote in November, and it\u2019s missed the opportunity to chart a different course,” says Richard Capie, Group Manager, Conservation Policy and Advocacy.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 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 \u2013 there is no mention of climate adaptation in the Budget initiatives,\u201d says Mr Capie.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This follows last year’s Budget, which slashed environmental spending by $1 billion and reduced climate adaptation funding by 70%.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Budget 2026 continues a pattern of weakening environmental stewardship in Aotearoa New Zealand,\u201d says Mr Capie. \u201cThe 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n