Overseas Investment Bill could undermine public access – FMC

The Overseas Investment Amendment Bill, introduced to encourage foreign investment by simplifying the current regime, adopts a narrow economic focus and overlooks wider social, environmental, and public access considerations, says The Federated Mountain Clubs.

While FMC supports overseas investment in principle, the organisation is concerned that the Bill’s focus on economic opportunity and national security will sideline important factors — including public access, environmental protection, and community wellbeing.

“New Zealanders must retain their right to enjoy the places that define who we are,” says FMC executive board member Raymond Ford, in response to the government’s proposed changes to overseas investment rules.

The Bill seeks to replace the existing multifaceted testing framework with a single ‘National Interest’ test. This change would remove longstanding requirements to assess impacts on heritage, the environment, and access to public lands.

FMC recommends replacing the narrow test with a broader one that includes environmental, heritage, and public access considerations. It also calls for mandatory consultation between the Overseas Investment Office and Te Herenga ā Nuku / Outdoor Access Commission before land purchases are approved, ensuring existing public access arrangements are carried over when land changes ownership, and requiring ministers to consider the full range of national benefits, not just economic outcomes.

The Bill should be withdrawn and the entire Act redrafted, setting out a clear process for foreign investment proposals with the relevant tests to assess whether they would generally benefit New Zealand.

“The future of public access depends on balanced, transparent decision-making that values more than just profit,” says Raymond.