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Six criteria were used to select the 22 core national environmental indicators from a wider set of 160 indicators. They are set out in the table below:

Nationally significant	There is broad agreement in New Zealand society that the environmental aspect being measured is of national priority. The indicator reflects progress towards environmental outcomes at a national level, and is not confined to particular geographical locations. The indicator contributes to reporting across a breadth of priority national environmental outcomes.
Relevant	The indicator provides information to a level appropriate for making decisions on national policies, strategies and legislation. The indicator provides representative information on the environmental aspect being measured.
Measurable and statistically sound	The indicator can be measured regularly and consistently over time to enable accurate reporting of trends. The indicator is derived from high-quality data, and is statistically and methodologically sound. Where possible, the indicator can be disaggregated to show a finer breakdown of information.
Simple and easily understood	The indicator is readily understood by a broad audience. The indicator is easy to interpret, so that change clearly represents an improvement or deterioration in what is being measured.
Cost effective	Where possible, the indicator uses existing data and information. Collection of data on the indicator does not incur unreasonable costs.
Internationally comparable	Where possible, the indicator is consistent with international indicators to enable comparison of New Zealand results against international benchmarks.

The criteria closely align with international best practice, drawing on work by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the European Environment Agency. The criteria also closely echo those used in other national-scale indicator reporting undertaken in New Zealand – for example, those used to select the national social indicators employed by the Ministry of Social Development. 

The process to select the indicators included extensive consultation with reporting partners and information users.

 

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Last updated: February 2009