The Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Conservation have published key themes from submissions made during the consultation on the proposed National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPSIB). Over 7,000 submissions were made on the proposed NPS including valuable suggestions for improvements. 

Key themes:

1. Risk of unintended consequences or perverse outcomes for indigenous biodiversity if the NPSIB is implemented 
2. Concern that the NPSIB may unduly prevent activities relating to forestry, farming, and the provision of infrastructure and energy
3. Belief that the NPSIB will be too resource-intensive and costly to implement, and does not allow for regional variations in biodiversity, management approaches, and council resource 
4. Concern about the process of engagement with Māori during the development of the NPSIB, and the impacts of implementation for Māori land
5. Concern that the NPSIB may breach private property rights
6. Belief that requiring restoration as well as protection is beyond the purpose of the Resource Management Act outlined for regional councils, and that protection should be prioritised.