Forest & Bird is warning the Government’s proposed resource management reforms could weaken environmental protections across Aotearoa, from native forests and freshwater systems to urban green spaces. Acting General Counsel May Downing says the reforms could penalise communities seeking to protect habitats for native species such as kākā and kererū. For communities already confronting habitat loss and pressure from development, Forest & Bird says that could leave native species and important green spaces more exposed. Forest & Bird says the reforms do not include clear freshwater limits and warns that without firm environmental bottom lines, rivers, wetlands and ecosystems could face greater pressure. The group’s concern is that the proposed reforms tilt the balance too far towards development and away from environmental safeguards.