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Media releases from our ministers

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.
Auditor-General’s water report backs Govt action - 27 September 2011
An independent review of four regional councils’ freshwater management supports steps being taken by the Government to improve water quality in New Zealand, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
Govt queries WHO figures on NZ air pollution - 27 September 2011
Latest World Health Organisation figures on air quality released today are out of step with the Government's data, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
Free TV recycling launched - 21 September 2011
New Zealanders have the opportunity over the next fortnight to responsibly dispose of their old TV for free at The Warehouse as part of the Government’s Love New Zealand recycling programme, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
Transmission Gully proposal referred to Board of Inquiry - 16 September 2011
Environment Minister Nick Smith today referred an application for the Transmission Gully roading proposal to an independent Board of Inquiry under the Government’s new national consenting process with the Environmental Protection Authority.
Slowing of ETS recommended by Review Panel - 15 September 2011
The Government today released the Emissions Trading Scheme Review Panel’s report – Doing New Zealand’s Fair Share – that recommends the implementation of the scheme be slowed down.
Funding available to clean up rivers and lakes - 14 September 2011
Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced the criteria and assessment panel for the new fund to help councils and communities clean-up nationally significant water bodies that have been polluted.
Forum to progress next stage in water reforms - 14 September 2011
The Land and Water Forum has been engaged by the Government to progress the next stage of policy work on setting limits on water quality, quantity and allocation, Environment Minister Nick Smith and Agriculture Minister David Carter announced today.
First Reading - Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Bill - 13 September 2011
Mr Speaker, I move that the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Bill be now read a first time.
Govt welcomes turnaround in Environment Canterbury’s consent processing - 13 September 2011
Environment Canterbury has improved its compliance with resource management consenting timelines from 29% in 2007/08 to 92% in 2010/11, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
Proposals sought for new TV recycling programme - 7 September 2011
Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced the first step in a new nationwide programme to encourage the recycling and safe disposal of unwanted televisions.
Govt funding to aid Northland’s economy, create jobs - 2 September 2011
The Government is investing $2.3 million in waste minimisation projects in Northland that will create jobs and boost the local economy, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.
Minister receives draft Kaikōura marine strategy - 1 September 2011
Environment Minister Nick Smith has welcomed the collaborative effort being taken by the Kaikōura community in protecting and managing its iconic coastline.
$11.6 million clean up plan for NZ’s most polluted lake - 25 August 2011
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is to be cleaned up with a $11.6 million plan involving Government, Ngāi Tahu, Environment Canterbury, Fonterra, Selwyn District Council, Lincoln University and the local community, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today at Ngāti Moki Marae.
Environmental protection laws for oceans introduced - 24 August 2011
The Government today introduced legislation to manage the environmental effects of activities in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) and announced interim measures to manage the environmental effects of activities before the new law is passed.
Govt proposes new Environmental Reporting Act - 18 August 2011
Environment Minister Nick Smith today released a discussion document, Measuring Up, seeking public feedback on a proposal for a new Environmental Reporting Act.
$4 million for high-tech mapping programme - 11 August 2011
High-tech mapping of New Zealand’s forests, pastures, rivers and cities will result from a research programme announced today by Environment Minister Nick Smith and Science and Innovation Minister Wayne Mapp.
$1 million Govt boost for e-waste recycling network - 10 August 2011
The Government is to provide more than $1 million to support the recycling of electronic waste such as televisions and computers, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.

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Media releases from our ministers