The Government's decided the scope of a review that will consider how significant natural areas are managed

It will look at the criteria for identifying SNAs, assessment and identification processes, and the management of land.

A bill was introduced in May that proposes suspending requirements for councils to identify new SNAs.

Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard says he hopes the review will give farmers and people in rural areas some breathing space.

He says it will also provide some clarity to councils, that the changes are going ahead.