The Government is seeking to disestablish the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and merge it within their new super-ministry: Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT). MfE was established in 1986 and its purpose is to be Aotearoa’s lead advisor on the environment and climate.
POW NZ is opposed to this as it risks climate mitigation and adaptation plans, risks seeing environmental and biodiversity protection being de-prioritised, and risks these areas being left to compete for funding, priority and attention with other sectors that focus on short-term economic gains.
You can read POW’s full submission here that we made on behalf of our community, but we recommend you make one too as this strengthens our stand. To do so, you can just follow our easy submission guide here or get in touch with us directly.
Submissions close 4.30pm on Wednesday, 11 March 2026
