Boffa Miskell’s submission on the exposure draft of the Draft National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity

Our submission on the exposure draft of the NPS- IB focused on the clarity and workability of the proposed policy statement.

The submission set out feedback on the Exposure Draft of the Draft National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB). We acknowledged the effort that the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) had put into the exposure draft in response to feedback from submissions and hui during public consultation on the initial draft NPS-IB in 2019 and 2020.

Boffa Miskell’s feedback was focused on the clarity and workability of the proposed changes as outlined in the exposure draft.

Ecologist Scott Hooson coordinated the submission document on behalf of the company, with input from the practitioners within Boffa Miskell who are familiar with the provisions of the proposed NPS-IB.

“Our practitioners are involved in field assessments of indigenous biodiversity, and in the interpretation of the application of national, regional, and territorial legislation, policy and regulations as well as helping shape Aotearoa's future environments,” says Scott.

“We have first-hand knowledge and experience of the management of indigenous biodiversity throughout New Zealand, as well as the implementation of the effects management hierarchy. We work with many guiding documents, scientific literature, planning frameworks, mentors, and our own experiences.”

Boffa Miskell’s submission noted a concern that the processes mandated by the proposed NPS-IB would put councils under substantial pressure and reduce resources for essential management of indigenous biodiversity. These resource implications could compromise the ability to deliver on the objective to “protect, maintain, and restore indigenous biodiversity."

Ecologists and Technical Leads reviewed the Submission document prior to it being sent to the Ministry for the Environment. The submission was signed by Boffa Miskell chief executive Kerry Gupwell, on behalf of the company.

Read the complete submission here.