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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:
- negotiation of a new Collective Employment Agreement with the New Zealand Public Service Association
- introduction of a revised performance management system
- another successful intake from the Ministry's graduate recruitment programme
- a staff climate survey revealed that the Ministry continues to be a friendly and positive work environment
- an extensive development programme has been run to support the Ministry's organisational competencies
- a large amount of recruitment activity was conducted, with 75 staff recruited during 2004/05.
Stakeholder Engagement
Building relationships and working in partnership with others has been a key focus of our work during the 2004/05 year.
In November 2004 the Ministry, in partnership with regional councils, undertook a second national Talk Environment Roadshow 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 major Ministry-led projects are progressing. Another Roadshow is planned for October 2005.
Following the success of the inaugural forum, a second National Youth Environment Forum was held in December 2004 for the first time in partnership with the Sir Peter Blake Trust. The forum brought together 45 young people from throughout the country, selected by regional councils, providing an opportunity for them to have a voice on environmental issues and to learn first hand the complexities of environmental management.
We also promoted environmental action by individuals, organisations and businesses through the 2005 Green Ribbon Awards. Eleven awards were presented to individual and group winners and highly commended in six categories.
In partnership with regional councils, we began work on a three year water awareness campaign, to be launched in early 2006.
Between 31 July 2004 and 30 June 2005 we held seven stakeholder liaison meetings with non-governmental organisations, three with professional association representatives and four meetings with industry.
Environment House
The Ministry for the Environment moved to a new home, 23 Kate Sheppard Place, Thorndon, Wellington, in June 2005.
The eight storey new development will house all of the Ministry's Wellington staff, consolidated from three locations in the CBD, as well a crèche - 'Kids' Environment', which will open on 29 August 2005.
The building sits within the 'Government Precinct' zone in Thorndon that is being proposed by Wellington City Council. The Council is working with government departments and building owners to create better buildings, streetscape and connections.
The Ministry chose the building for its location, (close to public transport hubs and Parliament) and because it presented the opportunity for the Ministry to have a place on the design team for the building. This has allowed the Ministry to influence the construction of the building to incorporate both its fit-out and principles of sustainability.
Key sustainability features
Among the changes the Ministry has achieved include:
- increasing the energy efficiency of the lighting system
- changing to a state-of-the-art air conditioning system that utilises heat transfer and the latest low impact refrigerants
- ensuring sustainable materials were used wherever possible (eg, Environmental Choice certified paint and carpets)
- integrating recycling facilities on all floors for food, paper and mixed recyclables
- re-using much of the Ministry's existing furniture and fittings.
The new building is equipped with a fully featured electronic Building Management System. This manages and fine-tunes all building control systems, allowing continuous scanning and control of building conditions and performance. This level of control combined with a consciously sustainable property management ethos will allow the Ministry to minimise the building's environmental footprint.
The Ministry is looking forward to the efficiencies that will be offered by being under one roof in close proximity to some of the Ministry's major stakeholders (eg, Parliament). This move will also make the Ministry more accessible to the public.
Information Management
The Ministry continued to build on its information management capability during the year. Resourcing of the Ministry's information management function was further strengthened through the recruitment of additional skilled and experienced staff.
A number of significant information initiatives were completed in 2004/05, including:
- the development and initial implementation of an Information Strategy for the Ministry
- the continued delivery of a number of e-government related initiatives, including the development of a number of shared work spaces for cross-government projects
- the purchase of an electronic document management system which will allow us to better manage our electronic corporate records. The system was trialled extensively towards the latter part of 2004/05 and is expected to be rolled out across the organisation in September 2005
- the continued refinement of our tracking system including the process for managing ministerial work flow documentation, contributed to an improvement in the Ministry's management and response to ministerials in 2004/05
- brand new IT infrastructure was set up in the new building.
The 2005/06 financial year will build on the foundation of the information strategy. Planned initiatives of the Information Management team include the implementation of an electronic document management system, developing and implementing a web strategy for the Ministry that supports the organisation's overall communications strategy, and the development of an up-to-date suite of information management policies and guidelines for the Ministry that are in line with best practice and comply with relevant legislation.
Crown Entity Monitoring
The Environmental Risk Management Authority
During the 2004/05 financial year the Ministry held monthly meetings with the executive of the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) 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 New Zealand 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 to monitor ERMA's progress against their annual objectives.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority
During the 2004/05 financial year we continued to monitor the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). The Ministry held bi-monthly liaison meetings with the executive of EECA and EECA officials to discuss emerging issues, potential risks and progress on matters of relevance to EECA. Senior Ministry staff also held regular informal meetings with senior EECA staff and maintained regular contact with the Chief Executive of EECA. The Ministry also reviewed quarterly reports and other key accountability documents received from the Authority to monitor EECA's progress against their key outputs.
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 2004/05 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 coordinated 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
During 2004/05 the Ministry made some changes to the structure of the organisation, increasing our business groups to six with the development of the Reporting and Review Group and the Urban Group.
Advisory Bodies/Ministerial Committees 2004/05
Bioethics Council
Statutory basis
There is no statutory basis requiring the Council to exist. The Council ws 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.
Environmental Legal Assistance Fund Advisory Panel
Statutory basis
There is no statutory basis requiring this group to exist. The Panel was developed due to a Cabinet decision.
Purpose
To advise the Ministry for the Environment on applications to the Environmental Legal Assistance Fund.
Environment Risk Management Authority (ERMA)
Statutory basis
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.
Purpose
The Authority is responsible for the governance of its agency. This involves assigning controls to manage the risks associated with hazardous substances and new organisms and responsibility for the approval of the introduction of new hazardous substances and new organisms.
Freshwater Indicators Working Group
Statutory basis
There is no statutory basis requiring this group to exist.
Purpose
To assist the Ministry with the development of a core set of freshwater indicators and monitoring protocols to assess the effectiveness of national water management policies and programmes and the health of New Zealand's freshwater resources.
Human Drinking-Water Source Standard Reference Group
Statutory basis
There is no statutory basis requiring this group to exist.
Purpose
This is a local government and industry reference group used to develop a favoured option for the human drinking-water source standard.
Maori Water Reference Group (Wai Maori)
Statutory basis
There is no statutory basis requiring this group to exist. This group was established upon an agreement by the Water Steering Group.
Purpose
To assist with the development of a policy process within the Sustainable Development Programme of Action.
New Zealand Carbon Accounting System Steering Committee
Statutory basis
Kyoto Protocol and United Nations Framework on Convention Change.
Purpose
Act as a steering committee for the Technical Advisory Committee.
Professional Development Scheme for RMA Decision-Makers Advisory Board
Statutory basis
There is no statutory basis requiring this group to exist.
Purpose
Responsible for improving the quality and consistency of decision-making on notified consent applications under the Resource Management Act 1991, and improving business and public confidence in the credibility of local decision-making. Additionally, this group is responsible for building Resource Management Act 1991 capacity in local government.
Sustainable Development Water Programme of Action Stakeholder Reference Group
Statutory basis
There is no statutory basis requiring this group to exist. This group was established upon approval by the Water Programme of Action Steering Group.
Purpose
To provide input into the policy. This is developed under the Water Programme of Action.
Urban Design Advisory Group
Statutory basis
There is no statutory basis requiring this group to exist. This group was set up as part of Sustainable Development Programme of Action to produce an Urban Design Protocol for New Zealand.
Purpose
To provide leadership and advice to the Minister with Responsibility for Urban Affairs on the development and successful implementation of initiatives aimed at realising the objectives and anticipated outcomes of the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol.
Acts Administered
- Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941
- Environment Act 1986
- Resource Management Act 1991
- Ozone Layer Protection Act 1996
- Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996
- The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2000
- Climate Change Response Act 2002.
