Thousands of people gathered in central Auckland on Saturday to protest the Government’s proposed Conservation Amendment Bill, which aims to update the management framework for conservation land and allow for increased development opportunities.

The bill has sparked significant controversy among environmental groups, who argue it would weaken existing protections for conservation areas and prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term ecological sustainability. Dr Russel Norman, executive director of Greenpeace, warned that the legislation could open the door to the sale of conservation land and undermine efforts to safeguard natural habitats.

Norman described the protest as a clear message to the Government. “If Luxon wants a fight over conservation land, he has one,” he said, referring to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. He added that the large turnout demonstrated public resistance against altering conservation laws to facilitate exploitation of protected areas.

Environmental organisation Forest and Bird also voiced strong opposition to the bill. Richard Capie, policy and advocacy group manager at Forest and Bird, emphasised that the protest reflected widespread public support for nature conservation. “The message to every political party from the people of New Zealand is clear – if you stand up for nature, we will stand with you, but if you sell off our conservation land, weaken environmental protections or put short-term profit ahead of our future, we will not stand by and let it happen,” Capie said.

Attendance estimates varied considerably. Greenpeace claimed about 35,000 people took part in the march, while police reported a maximum figure of 6,000 participants. Authorities noted the event proceeded without any incidents.

The Government has maintained that the Conservation Amendment Bill is intended to modernise conservation management in a way that balances protection with sustainable development, although further details on its progress and parliamentary debate have yet to be announced.