The Minister for RMA Reform says letting councils give companies permissions relating to killing protected animals during work is a matter of reducing red tape. 

A law passed last year let DOC extend this permission to companies to reduce development liability. 

Under incoming RMA replacement Bills, councils can also give such permissions.

Greenpeace has condemned the proposed change, saying councils don't have the environmental know-how.

But Chris Bishop says this makes sense.

"Regional councils in particular, when it comes to the environment, they are the administrator of environmental management within their areas." 

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