New Zealand blocked Auckland’s tree protection plan, halting efforts to save 203 significant trees on private land.

The New Zealand government blocked Auckland Council’s Plan Change 113 on December 12, 2025, halting efforts to protect 174 individual and 29 groups of significant trees on private land. The move followed a denied exemption request under new legislation enacted August 20, 2025, which stopped most plan changes without exceptions. The decision, criticized as wasteful and inconsistent with environmental goals, ends a three-year effort by the council and The Tree Council. Concerns grow over future tree protections as proposed replacements for the Resource Management Act may eliminate safeguards for urban trees on private land. Public submissions on draft planning and environmental bills are encouraged during the Christmas period.