Four Ministries Merge Into One Department

The Government has created a super-ministry to handle cities, housing and the environment.

The new Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport will absorb the Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Transport, and local government functions from Internal Affairs.

Legislation passed this week clears the way for the merger. The Ministry for the Environment was the only department that needed statutory change to join the new structure.

"MCERT will bring together key agencies that shape how our towns, cities and regions grow and develop," RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said.

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. The new Ministry will continue to administer the Environment Act, with MCERT's chief executive carrying 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 merger represents a major shift in how the Government handles urban development, transport planning and environmental regulation. Previously these functions were scattered across separate ministries with different priorities and reporting lines.

MCERT will oversee everything from housing policy and transport infrastructure to environmental protection and local government reform. The consolidation aims to streamline decision-making on projects that span multiple areas — such as new housing developments that require transport links and environmental assessments.