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Other government agencies with environmental responsibilities

We often work in partnership with the following agencies, which have specific responsibilities not covered by the Ministry for the Environment.

Department of Conservation

The Department of Conservation is the central government agency charged with conserving the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future New Zealanders.

Visit the Department of Conservation’s website

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for developing and implementing interventions and initiatives for the sustainable development of New Zealand’s agricultural, food, forestry and related sectors, and the protection of New Zealand’s biosecurity status.

Visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s website

Ministry of Economic Development

The Ministry of Economic Development’s role is to foster economic development and prosperity for all New Zealanders. This includes advancing renewable electricity and energy efficiency, including biofuels, and helping New Zealand firms use environmental integrity for economic advantage.

Visit the Ministry of Economic Development’s website

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is the Government's lead adviser and negotiator on foreign and trade policy, including climate change, and environmental and natural resource issues.

Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website

Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Transport leads and generates policy on transport, including climate change and environmental issues related to transport.

Visit the Ministry of Transport’s website

Ministry of Fisheries

The Ministry of Fisheries works to ensure that fisheries are used in a sustainable way and that New Zealand has a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Visit the Ministry of Fisheries’ website

Ministry of Science and Innovation

The Ministry of Science and Innovation is the lead agency driving the science and innovation sector. It is tasked with directing knowledge and technology transfer from the research, science and technology sector to businesses and other research users.

Visit the Ministry of Science and Innovation’s website

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s encourages, promotes and supports energy efficiency, energy conservation and the use of renewable energy sources. It promotes sustainable energy by changing the way New Zealanders think about and use energy, and works to raise community awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy issues.

Visit the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s website

Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority receives and processes applications for proposals of national significance under the Resource Management Act 1991 and regulates the introduction and use of hazardous substances and new organisms under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act. It will also administer the Emissions Trading Scheme and New Zealand Emission Registry under the Climate Change Response Act  from January 2012 and has been identified as the proposed consenting authority for activities taking place within New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Visit the Environmental Protection Authority’s website

Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is an independent officer of Parliament, not a government department. The Commissioner's job is to review and provide advice to Parliament on environmental issues and the system of agencies and processes established by the Government to manage the environment.

Visit the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s website

Local government

Local government is responsible for the day-to-day management of our environment under the Resource Management Act 1991.

Local government is:

  • 12 regional councils that coordinate and set policy for resource management, water management, soil conservation and transport
  • 70 district and city councils (territorial authorities) that deal with land development, water supply, waste disposal, stormwater, and community facilities such as parks and reserves
  • 4 unitary authorities that combine the functions of regional and district councils.

Local Government New Zealand is a national organisation representing local government entities.

New Zealand Local Government Online is a portal to regional, city and district councils in New Zealand. You can find your council's contact details there.

Other government websites

  • The New Zealand Emission Unit Register is being implemented to meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
  • The Environment Court deals with cases under the Resource Management Act 1991 such as references about the contents of regional and district statements and plans, and appeals arising out of applications for resource consent.
  • The Biosecurity Strategy Development website has information on the development of the Government’s Biosecurity strategy.
  • The Treaty of Waitangi website has information on the Treaty's history, different Treaty texts, key people, a Treaty timeline, journey of the Treaty (where it went to for signature) and settlement of Treaty claims.
  • newzealand.govt.nz provides an overview of New Zealand and its government, access to government services information and employment opportunities, as well as government agency contact details.
  • www.legislation.govt.nz provides public access to unofficial versions of New Zealand legislation and statutory regulations.

Last updated: 16 September 2011