New Zealand's Parliament voted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, to scrap the Ministry for the Environment, ending the 40-year-old agency. The legislation passed, paving the way for a new Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and ... (the full name was not immediately available from verified sources).
The move is part of a government restructuring. The new ministry will absorb some functions of the former environment ministry while adding responsibilities for urban and regional development. No specific details on staffing or budget changes were confirmed in the vote.
Critics argue the change could weaken environmental protections, while supporters say it will streamline government operations. The transition is expected to take several months.
