Its demise tonight makes way for the creation of the new Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT).
Environment Minister Nicola Grigg said environmental responsibilities would continue seamlessly under the new arrangements.
"The Bill formally transfers the Ministry for the Environment's statutory functions under the Environment Act to the Secretary for the Environment."
MCERT's chief executive would carry out the responsibilities of the Secretary for the Environment, Grigg said.
"Environmental functions remain central to the work of the new department. Integrating these portfolios will support more practical and joined-up decision-making that both protects the environment and supports economic growth."
The Green Party condemned the move, saying it cemented the coalition (National, NZ First and ACT) as the most anti-environment government in New Zealand's history.
Green Party environment spokesperson Lan Pham said none of the coalition partners campaigned on the change.
"New Zealanders of all political stripes care about the environment, swim in rivers, lakes, and at the beach, and fish for kai. They know that nature is the backbone of our economy. They did not ask for this.
"At a time when all our environmental outcomes across freshwater, air, biodiversity and oceans are going backwards, climate change is flooding communities week after week, costing billions of dollars, lives, and livelihoods - this government's response is to dismantle the ministry responsible for environmental protection."
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
