In the Herald 15/10/98 it wasreported that a group of environmental, community, Maori, heritage and recreation associations announced a coalition in opposition to proposed changes to the Resource Management Act .

Under the banner "Action for Community and the Environment", the coalition invited the public to support its campaign by investing in "shares in the environment."

It has floated 10,000 shares at $5 each, on sale from the 15th of October, to raise funds for its defence of the act in its present form.

Speaking at the launch in Wellington , former governor general Dame Cath Tizard said the act had placed New Zealand at the forefront of sustainable environmental management.

Campaign co-ordinator Jessica Wilson described proposed changes as a "potential environmental disaster" and said they should be of major concern to all New Zealanders. Proposed changes of particular concern included recommendations to limit the public’s right to have a say, the privatising of consent processing, and the introduction of compensation provisions that could entitle developers to expect payment for not damaging the environment.

Historic Places Trust Maori heritage division manager Dave Robson said the Government would a major fight on its hands over any changes which took away the right of Maori to protect their culture and heritage.

Members of the co-alition include the trust, Environment and Conservation Organisations of New Zealand (ECO), Federated Mountain Clubs, Fish and Game, Greenpeace, Maruia Society , the Northern Region NGO Forum, Maori group Te Runanga O Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai, World Wide Fund for Nature, and the Council for Outdoor Recreation Associations of New Zealand.