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6 Management of the Ministry
Human Resources
There has been a big effort from the Human Resources function to support the capability of the organisation through the following initiatives:
- Development of the most extensive training and development programme that the Ministry has ever had. This included a new induction and leadership programme and programmes such as Writing for the Minister, and the Machinery of Government. Feedback on these programmes has been excellent.
- Remuneration and Performance Management Revamp - a highly successful transitional system was put in place with minimal fuss; which has laid the groundwork for a streamlined system for the new year.
- A new Graduate Recruitment programme was launched in record time. The recruitment exercise was highly successful and subsequent training programme was first class. Ten graduates were recruited.
- Occupational and Health processes were reorganised to reflect good practice. This included a new committee and development of a OSH manual.
- Recruitment continued at a rapid pace and another 55 staff joined the Ministry.
Communications
Building relationships and working in partnership with others has been a key focus of our work during the 2003/04 year. The establishment of the Chief Executive's Forum on the Environment has brought together the players from central and regional government with the aim of providing strong leadership and support for a partnership approach on areas of mutual interest.
In November 2003 the Ministry, in partnership with regional councils, undertook a national roadshow Talk Environment covering 16 regions from Whangarei to Invercargill. We met with the community, iwi, local government and industry to hear their views about our work and explain how we are going on major work being led by the Ministry. Another roadshow is planned for November 2004.
The inaugural National Youth Environment Forum was held in September 2003. The Forum, developed in partnership with regional councils, brought together 49 young people from throughout the country providing an opportunity for young people to have a voice on environmental issues and to learn first hand the complexities of environmental management. The Sir Peter Blake Trust will partner with the Ministry in hosting the second Youth Environment Forum in Wellington in December 2004.
We also promoted environmental action through the Green Ribbon Awards. Twelve awards were presented to individuals and groups in eight categories. This year's awards featured a marked increase in the number of nominees in the Caring for the Urban Environment category, up nine to 27.
Between 31 July 2003 and 30 June 2004 we held six stakeholder liaison meetings with NGOs, four with industry representatives and four with professional association representatives.
Corporate Business
In December 2003 the Ministry secured the tenancy of a new building being constructed on Kate Sheppard Place in Wellington. This will become the new home for the Ministry's Head Office from May 2005.
We have secured the head tenancy of the building, and a place on the project team developing the building. This will allow us a number of advantages, including injecting elements of sustainability into the design and construction of the building and integration of our fitout with the base building design. In addition our status as head tenants will give us absolute control of the management of the building, allowing us to model best practice in sustainable management of an office building.
Our occupation of this new building will be the end of a long period with our Head Office being spread across three buildings. We are looking forward to the improvements in communication and productivity that our new home should provide.
Information Management
The Ministry continued to build on its information management capability during the year.
In particular, the resourcing of the Information Management team - which centrally manages functions including information technology, web maintenance and development, library services, records management, mail services, ministerial liaison and e-government - was again further increased.
A number of significant information initiatives were completed in 2003/04, including:
- the revamping of the Ministry's intranet site, Te Taiao
- the revamping of the existing websites for Climate Change and Oceans Policy to comply with the New Zealand Government Web Guidelines
- the development of new websites for the Bioethics Council and the 4 million careful owners campaign lead by the Climate Change Office of the Ministry
- the implementation of a co-ordinated information management help desk
- the development of an information management training framework for both new and existing staff
- the undertaking of an information audit across the organisation, which provided the basis for the development of an information strategy.
Building on the foundation of the information strategy, 2004/05 will be a challenging year for the Information Management team dealing with planned initiatives such as the implementation of an electronic document management system, developing systems and processes to support effective stakeholder relationship management and project management across the Ministry, and continuing to build on the effectiveness of staff information management training to support good practices.
Crown Entity Monitoring
The Environmental Risk Management Authority
During the 2003/04 financial year the Ministry held monthly meetings with the executive of the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) to discuss emerging issues, potential risks and progress on matters of relevance to ERMA. Senior management of the Ministry also maintained regular contact with the Chief Executive of ERMA to ensure any key issues were addressed quickly and effectively. Additional meetings were held as and when required, both with the Chair of the Authority and with staff. The Ministry also reviewed quarterly reports and other key accountability documents received from the Authority.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority
During the 2003/04 financial year we continued to monitor the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). As with ERMA, we held bi-monthly liaison meetings with the executive of EECA to discuss emerging issues, potential risks and progress on matters of relevance to EECA. We also held more regular informal meetings with senior EECA staff and maintained regular contact with the Chief Executive of EECA.
Reducing Inequalities
As kaitiaki, hapu and iwi, we have a responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. The Ministry recognises this responsibility to protect the environment for future generations and supports hapu and iwi to carry out their obligations as kaitiaki.
In 2003/04 the Ministry supported:
- the settlement of Treaty of Waitangi claims to natural resources
- projects aimed at reducing the compliance costs associated with the Resource Management Act (1991) on businesses, including the development of guidance on Maori consultation in terms of resource consent processes from iwi/hapu, consent authorities and applicants
- projects aimed at new and more effective ways of involving tangata whenua in the management of natural resources, including a project to examine the effectiveness of iwi management plans
- kaitiakitanga projects through the Sustainable Management Fund.
Improved Iwi Participation
The Ministry has also been working with iwi in a number of regions to support them in achieving their environmental goals, including through supporting their relationships with local authorities. This has included:
- work with iwi in Te Tai Tokerau to establish a co-ordinated approach across a number of iwi and hapu to respond to environmental issues
- work with Ngati Tuwharetoa on the water quality issues in Lake Taupo
- regular meetings with Ngai Tahu in progressing our obligations under their Deed of Settlement
- ongoing engagement with iwi environmental groups
- establishment of a Maori Reference Group to support the development of the Water Programme of Action
- support for the implementation of the Kaimoana Survey Guidelines for Hapu and Iwi
- ongoing support for the Ministry's Maori Environmental Indicators Programme.
In addition to this, a significant amount of work has been undertaken in developing a proposed package of initiatives to be rolled out through upcoming policy implementation for the RMA Review, foreshore and seabed, and aquaculture policies. This is likely to be the main vehicle for delivering improved outcomes to Maori over the coming year.
Management Structure
In early 2004, the Ministry made some minor changes to the structure of the organisation. This is now based on four main business groups.
Advisory Bodies/Ministerial Committees 2003/2004
Bioethics Council
Statutory basis
There is no statutory basis requiring the Council to exist. The Council was established by a Cabinet Minute.
Purpose
To enhance New Zealand's understanding of the cultural, ethical and spiritual aspects of biotechnology and to ensure that the use of biotechnology has regard for the values held by New Zealanders.
Business Compliance and Costs Group
Statutory basis
There is no statutory basis requiring this group to exist.
Purpose
To provide input and advice on the direction, focus, and method of implementation of the resource consent process by member's organisations and colleagues.
Cyanobacteria Issues Discussion Group
Statutory basis
There is no statutory basis requiring this group to exist.
Purpose
This involved a discussion meeting held in response to an increasing number and frequency of cyanobacteria incidents.
Energy and Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)
Statutory basis
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (2000).
Purpose
To encourage, promote and support energy efficiency, energy conservation and the use of renewable resources in New Zealand.
