News and events
News from the Ministry
News from the Beehive
- Durban climate change outcome welcomed - 12 December 2011
Climate Change Ministers Nick Smith and Tim Groser have warmly welcomed the outcome of the UN Climate Change negotiations which concluded successfully in Durban today.
- Recycling of earthquake waste to be maximised - 23 November 2011
The Government is working with councils and industry to maximise the recycling of the estimated 4.5 million tonnes of demolition and liquefaction waste from the Canterbury earthquakes, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.
- Penguin release milestone in Rena recovery - 22 November 2011
The release of 60 penguins at Mt Maunganui beach today is a significant milestone in the Bay of Plenty's recovery from the Rena oil spill and environmental disaster, Environment Minister Nick Smith said today.
- Further Moanataiari soil testing a priority - 22 November 2011
The Government has a contestable fund that the Waikato Regional Council and Thames-Coromandel District Council can apply to for further testing of contaminants at the Moanataiari subdivision in Thames, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
- Govt gives guidance on water and renewable generation - 15 November 2011
Environment Minister Nick Smith today issued guidance for councils implementing the Government’s two new national policy statements for fresh water management and renewable electricity generation.
- Govt urges Kiwis to use fireworks safely - 1 November 2011
Environment and ACC Minister Nick Smith is encouraging Kiwis to take extra care while enjoying fireworks this Guy Fawkes.
- $16.2 million Tui Mine clean up gets underway - 19 October 2011
Environment Minister Nick Smith today launched the clean up of New Zealand’s most contaminated site at Tui Mine with the Green Party and announced a new national environmental standard for better managing contaminated sites.
- Changes proposed to RMA following earthquake report - 7 October 2011
A report into approvals of subdivisions in Christchurch and Kaiapoi badly affected by Canterbury's earthquakes has resulted in the Government proposing changes to the Resource Management Act to better manage the risk of natural hazards.
- The Great TV Take Back – greater than expected - 6 October 2011
Minister for the Environment Nick Smith today announced that The Great TV Take Back campaign netted 28,000 unwanted TVs for recycling – far exceeding the Government’s expectations.
- Accord reinforces commitment to Waipa River - 29 September 2011
Environment Minister Nick Smith and representatives of Ngati Maniapoto today signed an Environment Accord at Parliament that supports the commitment both parties have made to enter a new era of co-management of the Waipa River catchment.
