Investment in our natural assets is not happening at the pace or scale needed to realise both economic and environmental benefits for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Chapman Tripp’s report, Investing in New Zealand’s Natural Assets: Regulatory Actions to Unlock Nature Finance, commissioned by The Aotearoa Circle, found that investment in the ecosystems and landscapes that underpin our economy could be better advanced if legal and regulatory barriers were removed.  

The report reveals that while there is strong interest in voluntary projects benefiting nature or the environment, 52% of those surveyed have had to abandon or postpone projects due to a mix of financial and non-financial obstacles. Notably, nearly three-quarters of respondents identified legal or regulatory barriers as key impediments to getting nature investment off the ground, on par with those citing funding difficulties. The RMA regime was identified as the single greatest source of barriers.

To address this need, Chapman Tripp’s report identifies practical actions that could unlock investment in natural assets. The report’s focus on regulatory barriers hindering investment in nature-based projects is also a foundational element in the development of the Natural Infrastructure Plan being led by The Aotearoa Circle and due for release in March 2026.