18C New section 25AB inserted

• To insert the following new section after section 25A:

  “25AB Power of Minister for the Environment to direct protection of trees

  • “(1) The Minister for the Environment may, on receiving a request from a territorial authority, direct that particular trees, groups of trees, species or subspecies of trees, or ecosystems may be proposed for protection under a district plan in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 1, without meeting the requirements under section 52(4A).

    “(2) In deciding whether to make such a direction, the Minister shall have regard to—

    • “(a) the biological or cultural significance, or amenity value of the species or subspecies of tree proposed to be protected for the particular district or region; and

    • “(b) any report prepared by or for the territorial authority on the species or subspecies of tree proposed to be protected; and

    • “(c) whether the proposed protection of the species or subspecies of tree is the most appropriate way to achieve the purpose of the Act.”