4946 (2026). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for the Environment

Written Question

Published date: 02 Mar 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	4946 (2026)
Question asked:	16 Feb 2026
Member asking:	Hon Rachel Brooking
Portfolio:	Minister for the Environment
Minister replying:	Hon Penny Simmonds
Answer received:	24 Feb 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_04946_2026
Document guid:	6be19515-9aef-472e-b611-94a24c502df8

4946 (2026). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for the Environment: Has the Minister requested advice on whether integrating environmental functions with infrastructure and planning portfolios may dilute independent environmental advice?

Hon Penny Simmonds: The Amendment Bill proposes no material changes to the Ministry for the Environment's current functions under the Environment Act 1986. These functions will transfer to the Secretary for the Environment; a role that will be fulfilled by the new Chief Executive of the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport.