Research shows that capital from New Zealand investors into nature-related projects is currently scarce, with a limited appetite for sacrificing financial returns.

But it’s unclear to what extent legal and regulatory barriers contribute to the current scarcity. To better understand these barriers, The Aotearoa Circle has partnered with Chapman Tripp to assess the key legal and regulatory challenges preventing greater investment in nature-related outcomes.

Our ultimate goal is a clear, prioritised list of barriers and a plan to address them in our future work programmes. This plan will form part of the wider 30-Year Natural Infrastructure Plan (being developed through the 2025 Fenwick Forum).‍

As part of this work, Chapman Tripp is seeking insights from project developers and landowners about any barriers to project implementation being faced on the ground.