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2. Statement of Service Performance for the Year Ended 30 June 2008

Vote: Environment
Output Class: Environmental Policy Advice

The Ministry has an important role in ensuring effective environmental governance in New Zealand. As part of this role it undertakes investigations, analysis, review and monitoring. It provides advice on a range of environmental issues. The role includes leading whole of government initiatives, coordinating the collaboration of central and local government in the delivery of environmental programmes and administering legislation, as well as providing advice to the Government and others.

Through this output class, the Minister purchased advice on environmental policies, issues and the implementation of government decisions to achieve a healthy environment, which enhances social and economic well-being.

Resources employed

Actual
30/06/2007
$000		   Actual
30/06/2008
$000 		Main estimates
30/06/2008
$000 		Supplementary estimates
30/06/2008
$000
  Revenue:      
34,476 Crown 38,475 41,811 38,473
400 Departmental 448 367 367
117 Other 3 5 5
34,993 Total revenue 38,926 42,183 38,845
34,618 Total expenses 33,369 42,183 38,845
375 Net surplus 5,557 0 0

 

Sustainable business

Output: Lead and coordinate the Government’s recently released sustainability initiatives across core government departments.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Develop and implement governance structures for sustainability initiatives and run coordination meetings as required. Achieved – A Deputy Secretaries’ steering group has been established and has met regularly to provide whole of government direction, coordination and governance. This group works in parallel with the climate change coordination Deputy Secretaries’ group to develop and implement consistent whole of government programmes. A whole of government communications’ coordination group is operating to maximise the coordination and ‘reach’ of sustainability initiatives.
Review and guide policy development within key departments in line with sustainable outcomes. Partially achieved – The Ministry collaborated with the Ministry for Economic Development to identify outcomes and indicators for the six sustainability projects.
Develop, in conjunction with departments leading the sustainability work, the outcomes of sustainability. Achieved – The Ministry led cross government work synthesising existing outcomes, indicators and targets for five priority areas of sustainability (water, land, transport, energy and waste). A report on options for additional targets clearly linked to outcomes for the five areas of sustainability was presented to the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Economic Development in January 2008.

Output: Work with different businesses to develop innovative opportunities to deliver sustainable business practice through market development.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Work with a Crown financial institute to develop a fiscal instrument to incentivise sustainable business practice by June 2008. Achieved – The Ministry has worked with other departments (including the Ministry of Economic Development, Treasury and Inland Revenue) to establish a requirement for KiwiSaver managed fund providers to disclose whether they take into account environmental, social and governance issues when making investment decisions and if so, how.
Establish a new partnership to embed sustainability into an existing market development programme by April 2008. Achieved – The Ministry has developed a new working partnership with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to embed sustainability into selected existing market development programmes. This has included up-skilling Enterprise training staff on sustainability, updating web-based business information and hosting sustainability related export breakfasts and workshops.
Develop a model for building capability on sustainability in business by December 2007. (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Develop a programme for building capability of sustainability in business by December 2007’.) Achieved – The Ministry-led Building Sustainable Business Capability Project was developed by December 2007 in collaboration with the eco-verification and government procurement project teams, working with the Ministry of Economic Development, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Department of Labour. An example of this cross agency work is the new Life-cycle Management initiative which is being developed in partnership with Landcare Research, the Ministry of Economic Development, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and Business New Zealand.

Output: Develop innovative opportunities to deliver sustainable business practice through a sector-based approach.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Establish one new partnership with a business, trade or sector organisation or group to promote practical business sustainability initiatives for its members. Achieved – The Ministry has developed a new partnership with the Economic Development Agency of New Zealand, which represents the majority of Economic Development Agencies in New Zealand. The Ministry has initiated research into the sustainability support service provisions, by local government, to better understand where best practice and service gaps may exist.
Work with the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism New Zealand and the Tourism Industry Association to deliver a tourism strategy with a strong focus on sustainability by August 2007. Partially achieved – The New Zealand Tourism Strategy was launched in November 2007 and the implementation plan has been developed with the Ministry’s input. An implementation plan was reported back to Cabinet in July 2008 which will outline a strong leadership position by the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Industry Association and Tourism NZ, to achieve the sector vision that “in 2015 tourism is valued as the leading contributor to a sustainable
NZ economy”.

Output: Work with business sectors to develop innovative opportunities to build capacity for delivery of sustainable business practice.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Deliver a quarterly e-newsletter to business stakeholders. Partially achieved – Instead of producing a separate newsletter, information for business stakeholders was integrated into the Ministry’s monthly ‘Talk Sustainability’ newsletter.
Establish two new partnerships to embed sustainable design into existing design programmes. Partially achieved – The Ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to deliver sustainability within the Better by Design Programme. The programme will include advice on sustainable design, a national conference which will take place on 1 September 2008 and the development of a guide on sustainable design.
Provide support to local government and Crown research institutes to recruit businesses and deliver EnviroSmart, a sustainable business practice programme. Achieved – Support was provided to local government and Crown research institutes to recruit businesses and the sustainable business practice programme has been delivered and completed.
Support the Sustainable Business Network to recruit business and deliver the Get Sustainable Challenge, by November 2007. (Note ‘recruit business’ was changed to ‘increase capacity’ in agreement with the Minister.) Achieved – A deed to support the Sustainable Business Network was signed in November 2007. During 2007/08, 113 organisations have participated in the Get Sustainable Challenge, 82 of them were new participants. The Sustainable Business Network is actively improving the processes and content of the Get Sustainable Challenge to better respond to the needs of business.

Output: Input into the development of a long-term sustainable development framework (LTSDF) for the Auckland Region. (Note the long-term sustainable development framework is now known as the Auckland Sustainability Framework).

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Continue full participation in the LTSDF processes and develop a detailed analysis paper on LTSDF and ‘One Plan’ integration. Achieved – Completed project. Further work is being undertaken by local councils and Auckland Regional Council on the development of indicators and other related monitoring measures. The Auckland Sustainability Framework is now being applied to ‘One Plan’, the Regional Growth Strategy Review and the Regional Land Transport Strategy.

Output: Input into the monitoring of the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy (RGS).

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Full participation in and formalised review of the development of processes, measures and targets to monitor the implementation of the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy during the 2007/08 financial year and beyond. Partially achieved – The first evaluation of the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy was completed and endorsed by the Auckland Regional Growth Forum in September 2007. The review focused on evaluating progress, updating information and identifying ways to improve implementation. Building on the Ministry’s role in coordinating input from central government agencies into the review, the Ministry had anticipated ongoing participation and review of processes, measures and targets to monitor ongoing Auckland Regional Growth Strategy implementation. During the year the focus of central government engagement with the Auckland councils shifted to strengthening regional governance and developing the One Plan for Auckland. As a result, the now broader central government coordination role moved to the Department of Internal Affairs. The Ministry continued to participate in Auckland Regional Growth Strategy working groups, both individually and working through the Government Urban and Economic Development Office network. A key project was completing a regional classification of urban centres, transport corridors and business parks. This process has been an important step in improving implementation of the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy and integration into the One Plan for Auckland process.
Formalise coordination of central government input into these processes. Achieved – Central government input into the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy processes is now recognised by all key players as an integral part of the broader process of engagement with the councils of the Auckland region on the ‘One Plan’ for Auckland. Cabinet addressed the issue of coordination of central government input into the One Plan during 2007/08. The Department of Internal Affairs now has responsibility for this coordination.

Output: Raise awareness of what households can do to cut greenhouse gas emissions to improve energy efficiency, and reduce waste and water use.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance

Develop and implement the first stage of the Household Sustainable Living Programme including the following:

Build partnerships across government and non-government organisations involved in pursuit of sustainability outcomes.

(Note the Household Sustainable living Programme is now known as the Household Sustainability Programme.)

Achieved – The Ministry held ‘Sustainable Futures’ regional forums in partnership with local government in Manawatu/Wanganui, Hawke’s Bay and Waikato, Christchurch and New Plymouth.

The Ministry attended key events and conferences across government to build partnerships, raise awareness of the Household Sustainability Programme and sustainability brand and provided attendees with sustainability information. Events and conferences attended were: In Tune with Nature concert series, Air New Zealand Eco Day, Department of Internal Affairs’ community outcomes workshop, NZ Environmental Educators’ Conference, Go By Bike Day, Earth Hour, World Environment Day events, Homes Shows, and the Hamilton Fieldays in June.

The Ministry provided “What’s your next step?” collateral (quick screens, tip sheets, magnets, t-shirts, use of portal) to local councils to be used in parallel with their own sustainability messages at local events (includes Northland Regional Council, New Plymouth District Council, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Kapiti Coast District Council).

Build capability within communities to achieve greater sustainability.

Achieved – The Ministry refocused and enhanced the Sustainable Management Fund (SMF) to support delivery of community-based household sustainability projects. A new SMF category called ‘Encouraging Sustainable Households’ was introduced to help raise awareness within households about sustainable practice in energy use, water use, transport, and waste disposal. Approximately $1 million was allocated under this new category to 13 programmes (including Eco-design advisors in seven councils) for 2008/09.

The Ministry funded the Sustainable Living and Sustainability Trust programmes. Both programmes aim to build capability and to educate a wide range of households about sustainable practice in energy use, water use, transport, and waste disposal. The end of the year results show both programmes have been successful in recruiting 26 councils, approximately 3,000 participants and getting behaviour change in the section of society which is willing to act but has not yet done so.
Build and launch a web portal to provide information and stimulate debate about sustainability. Achieved – The Ministry launched the first phase of the sustainability web portal on 18 September 2007. The full sustainability portal and “What’s your next step?” Sustainability Challenge was launched by the Prime Minister and Minister for the Environment on 4 December 2007. The portal contains discussion forums, and uses of mixed media, and interactivity (such as the sustainability challenge, film competition and weekly poll). The portal was updated in June 2008 to incorporate content for World Environment Day.
Increase public awareness of actions that can be taken to improve a household’s footprint in the areas of energy, transport and water use, waste generation, and building and renovation. Achieved – The Ministry delivered a communications programme for sustainability, including:
  • whole of government key sustainability messages
  • a calendar of sustainability events and opportunities
  • a monthly "Talk Sustainability" newsletter
  • an overarching household sustainability branding
  • a Household Sustainability stand at Home Shows
  • a joint seminar with the Journalists Training Organisation and PricewaterhouseCoopers in August 2007 for 35 journalists
  • support for the ‘Outlook for Someday’ film challenge for young New Zealanders and the second series of television show WA$TED!

Output: Implement actions to achieve Govt3 sustainability objectives.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Hold a Govt3 Awards ceremony that recognises the achievement of agencies in their sustainability objectives as part of the Govt3 Programme, in October 2007. Achieved – A Govt3 Awards event was held on 10 October 2007. Awards were made in all 10 categories, with highly commended agencies recognised in nine categories.
Hold quarterly network meetings of the Govt3 agencies. Achieved – Govt3 network meetings were held in Wellington on 27 July 2007, 2 November 2007, 29 February 2008 and 26 June 2008. The key focus areas were sustainable building, travel planning, eco-verification, Paper Buyers’ Guide, waste minimisation and recycling, sustainable procurement, and future directions for the Govt3 Programme.
Complete all agency baseline waste audits by June 2008, including assistance to install recycling systems. Partially achieved – 31 of the 34 agencies reported their baseline waste audits. Where recycling systems are not used, support has been provided to establish them, including staff messaging, segregations tools, and communications.
Work with 34 core government agencies on their action plans throughout the year. Achieved – The Ministry is providing ongoing support to all Govt3 agencies to achieve the delivery of their individual Govt3 action plans.
Work with the nine core government agencies to assist them to complete Workplace Travel Plans in partnership with the Ministry of Transport by June 2008. (The target was changed to the six core/lead agencies in agreement with the Minister.) Achieved – Initial guidance was provided to the six lead agencies on data collection for input into their travel planning processes. Two travel planning workshops for Govt3 agencies were held. These included the provision of resources and tools to help agencies develop and implement their travel plans.
Complete vehicle fleet audits for Govt3 agencies with fleets exceeding 50 vehicles by June 2008. Achieved – All vehicle fleet audits have been completed by the Ministry of Transport for Govt3 agencies with fleets exceeding 50 vehicles (21 agencies in total).
Produce a report on the Ministry’s Action Plan by June 2008. Achieved – A report was produced by June 2008 and the Ministry’s Action Plan was reviewed with 62 of the 64 action points completed. Two points were unable to be completed because they were found to be impractical to implement.
Provide advice to the Ministry of Economic Development led projects on sustainable procurement and eco-verification.

Achieved – The Ministry has worked closely with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) in developing the Enhanced Eco-Verification work programme. This included work on the Ecolabel Directory, the MED programme to improve the uptake of Environmental Management Tools, and working to build national capability around life-cycle analysis. The Ecolabel Directory (approximately 250 ecolabels) was launched on 11 August 2008. The Environmental Choice NZ ecolabel product specification enhancement (3 year contract) has progressed well in year one. Environmental Choice has developed three new draft specifications (paint, cement and concrete) this year.

The Ministry contributed significantly to the MED-led Sustainable Procurement Project, with particular focus on defining the standards, targets and guidance in key areas of spending through a series of category reviews (timber, wood products and paper; travel; and light fittings) announced in August 2007. The supporting verification methodology and supplier templates for the NZ Paper Buyers’ Guide have been completed, and over 150 papers have been rated.

Output: Monitor the uptake of the Household Sustainable living Programme.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Collect information for a future report on the uptake of the Household Sustainable Living Programme in the 2007/08 financial year. (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Collect information to establish the current baseline understanding of public understanding and awareness about sustainable actions’.) Achieved – The Ministry completed a baseline study in January 2008, the first comprehensive benchmarking study into New Zealanders’ attitudes and actions on sustainability. The study measured current knowledge, attitudes and actions and will track changes over time.
Monitor and report six monthly on the related change in public perceptions. (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister from quarterly to six-monthly.) Partially achieved – The Ministry’s benchmark report on public perceptions was published in February 2008. The Ministry considers annual reports would be more cost effective and the shift from quarterly to annual reporting reflects the fact that the results of quarterly surveys were considered less informative than an annual survey, with marginal added value. Instead the Ministry carried out more informative research including an online survey to identify priority behaviours and qualitative research to identify opportunities for sharing information and education. The next annual survey on the related change in public perceptions is scheduled for December 2008.

Waste

Output: Monitor the New Zealand Waste Strategy.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Develop and test a new approach for monitoring waste flows for landfills and cleanfills. Not achieved – Work on this initiative began but was then put on hold due to work priorities being focused on the Waste Minimisation Bill.
Develop a long-term monitoring and reporting framework for waste. Partially achieved – Development of a long-term monitoring and reporting framework has been on hold pending the passage of the Waste Minimisation Bill. This is because the framework needs to reflect the strategic direction and priorities for waste minimisation and management set by the Bill. Work on the framework will be completed in the 2008/09 year, once the Bill has been passed.
Revise targets in the New Zealand Waste Strategy following the outcome of the Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill by June 2008 as recommended in the 2006 Review. Not achieved – Work began on revising these targets. However, completion was dependant on the outcome of the Waste Minimisation Bill. The Bill was not enacted until September 2008.

Output: Work with the waste sector to implement waste minimisation and management.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Set up trial public space recycling programmes in at least three locations in New Zealand by January 2008. Partially achieved – Whilst the January 2008 deadline was not met, four councils were selected for public space recycling pilot trials: Wellington City, Christchurch City, Kaikoura District and Far North District. Programmes started in Kaikoura in January 2008 and the Far North in March 2008. Three more councils – Queenstown Lakes, Taupo and Waipa District Councils were added to the first year roll out in February 2008.
By November 2007, work with the Department of Building and Housing to ensure demolition waste is a key consideration in the Building Code review. Achieved – The Ministry coordinated a Construction and Demolition Waste Steering Group before the end of November 2007, which made a joint submission to Department of Building and Housing on the Building Code review.
Complete a review of the Resource Efficiency in Building and Related Industries guidelines on construction and demolition waste and update the Ministry website by June 2008. Achieved – A review was completed and the website was updated by May 2008 and a range of recommendations were made for implementation in 2008/09.
Establish a formal partnership and begin the scoping study for development of a plasterboard product stewardship scheme. Partially achieved – A review of recycling methods for wallboard was completed. The Ministry continued to develop a trial product stewardship scheme through a partnership with Winstone Wallboards.
Complete a national survey of cleanfills. Achieved – A national survey of cleanfills in New Zealand was completed on 30 June 2008.
Draft the Code of Practice that lays out the governance structure and accountabilities for the NZ Compost Standard. Achieved – The Code of Practice for the Compost Industry was completed. The Ministry has drafted an auditing system to accompany the code of practice which lays out the governance structure and accountabilities for the NZ Compost Standard.
Formalise three partnerships between researchers and businesses that address market development and end-user specific research and quantify the end-value of compost by June 2008. (Note the target was changed from three partnerships to two partnerships in agreement with the Minister.) Not achieved – The Ministry’s current focus is on assisting the compost industry to develop systems (such as the code of practice and auditing system) that ensure consistent, high quality product is able to be produced before investigating the market development of the product.
Work with the supply chain of packaging to implement the eight outcomes in the New Zealand Packaging Accord central government sector Action Plan. Achieved – The Ministry is working with the packaging supply chain to implement the eight outcomes of the New Zealand Packaging Accord. A successful seminar on improving the sustainability of packaging was held in April 2008 and attended by over 100 industry representatives.
Establish two new voluntary product stewardship schemes by June 2008. Not achieved – No new product stewardship schemes have been established. However, the Ministry continued work on development of the new lighting product stewardship scheme, as well as an information technology/television scheme, both of which are dependent on the outcome of the Waste Minimisation Bill.
Collect up to 57 tonnes of unwanted agrichemicals from five regions. Ensure five further permanent regional collection schemes are in place by June 2008. Partially achieved and ongoing – 49 tonnes of Agrichemicals were collected during the 2007/08 financial year. Sixty tonnes have been allocated for collection from five regions for the 2008/09 financial year. The Ministry is facilitating the development of a permanent nationwide collection scheme to begin after the 2008/09 collection.

Land

Output: Develop a policy to provide national leadership on minimising and managing waste.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Produce a report that presents a national schedule of priorities for waste minimisation funding for the next five years by June 2008. Partially achieved – A national schedule of priorities for waste minimisation is in development. Completion is dependent on the progress of the Waste Minimisation Bill.
Complete a 75% roll-out of WasteTRACK to Territorial Authorities by April 2008. Partially achieved – The Ministry rolled out WasteTRACK to 18 territorial authorities (25%) by the end of June 2008. Negotiations with territorial authorities have taken longer than anticipated.
Develop three group standards for hazardous waste under hazardous substances and new organisms by June 2008. (Note the target was changed from three to two group standards in agreement with the Minister.) Not achieved – The Ministry and the Environmental Risk Management Authority have determined that there are a number of policy options to deal with hazardous waste. Work on these is continuing.
Update waste management plan guidelines for territorial authorities by June 2008. Partially achieved – Completion of the waste management plan guidelines is dependent on the progress of the Waste Minimisation Bill.

Output: Work with the waste sector to implement outcomes from the Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill process such as:

  • waste minimisation funding through levies

  • product stewardship legislation development.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Draft regulations that enable the collection, handling and allocation of levy monies by June 2008. (Note this measure was changed to ‘Complete the Supplementary Order Paper amending the Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill by December 2007’ in agreement with the Minister.) Achieved – The Supplementary Order Paper was completed and submitted to the Local Government and Environment Committee in September 2007.
Draft regulations that can mandate extended producer responsibility for end of life products by June 2008. (Note this measure was changed to ‘Work with the Local Government and Environment Select Committee to finalise the Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill’ in agreement with the Minister.) Achieved – The departmental report was completed and provided to the Local Government and Environment Committee to finalise the Waste Minimisation Bill. The Ministry continued to provide advice to the Committee as requested.
Officially register two new voluntary product stewardship schemes by June 2008. (Note this measure was changed to ‘Produce a discussion document on identifying the priorities for product stewardship management by June 2008’ in agreement with the Minister.) Partially achieved – A draft discussion document on identifying the priorities for product stewardship management has been prepared. Completion is dependent on the progress of the Waste Minimisation Bill.

Output: Develop a policy framework for managing contaminated land.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Confirm the policy framework by July 2007. (Note the target date was changed to 30 August 2007 in agreement with the Minister.) Achieved – The Ministry confirmed the policy framework by 30 August and published the framework in October 2007.
Prepare a discussion document on proposed national environmental standard and report back to Cabinet by 28 February 2008. Not achieved – A national methodology for managing contaminated land is being developed first. A national environmental standard will follow completion of the national methodology.
Finalise ‘good practice rule’ for district plans by 31 March 2008. Partially achieved – Work was delayed due to limited staff resources. A policy advisory group was convened and a draft ‘good practice rule’ for district plans was prepared for advisory group feedback.
Finalise methodology to be used for proposed contaminated land national environmental standards by 31 March 2008. Not achieved – Work was delayed due to the complexity of the work programme. The Ministry began a toxicological review for eight selected priority contaminants and a technical review of methods. Two advisory groups were convened to assist and advise on the technical, toxicological criteria, methodology and soil guideline values.

Output: Begin the clean up of Tui Mine.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Initiate project work around the remediation of the Tui Mine. Achieved – The remediation concept design has been completed and a review of the project costs has been undertaken. The first Governance board meeting was held on 4 March 2008 and progress was made in determining responsibilities. A presentation on the Tui Mine remediation was held on 30 June 2008, which was well attended by the local community.

Output: Control wilding pines at Mid Dome, Northern Southland.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Undertake one aerial spraying of pine trees per year. Partially achieved – Ground control and aerial spraying of the pine trees has been undertaken on surrounding land. Aerial spraying on Ministry owned land has yet to be undertaken due to a lack of appropriate weather conditions. This is now scheduled for early in 2008/09.

Output: Develop a robust approach to river control and flood risk management in New Zealand that clearly identifies central and local government interests, assigns roles and responsibilities and is appropriate for and adaptable to local and regional circumstances. Develop a Resource Management Act policy framework to manage flood risk.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Develop a proposed national policy statement under the RMA by August 2008. Partially achieved – The work programme to develop the national policy statement was delayed due to competing work priorities and limited staff resources. A draft proposed national policy statement is being prepared.

Output: Implement the Stockholm Convention National Plan. (Note this has changed to ‘Implement the Government’s National Implementation Plan under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants’ in agreement with the Minister.)

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Update the release inventory of dioxins (Year 2 of a three-year programme)1 and the action plan for dioxins. Achieved – A work programme for the release of an inventory of dioxins has been planned and a contract has been let. The programme is on schedule.

Air

Output: Assist local government with the implementation of the national environmental standards for air quality.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Update the good practice guide for air quality monitoring and data management by 30 June 2008. Partially achieved – The Ministry completed a draft national guidance document for air quality monitoring and data management. The release of a new joint Australian/New Zealand air quality monitoring standard means the Ministry is now required to update technical guidance within the draft document and re-send it out for peer review to councils and Crown research institutes. The Ministry now expects to finalise the document before the end of December 2008.

Output: Monitor national environmental standards for air quality.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Update the summary airshed statistics for 2006 on the Ministry website by 31 July 2007. (Note the target date was changed from July 2007 to December 2007 in agreement with the Minister.) Achieved – The Ministry completed the update of 2006 summary airshed data and published it on the Ministry’s website. Summary of airshed data for 2007 is also close to completion.

Water

Output: Develop and implement a mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS). (Note this output has changed to ‘Provide advice on a mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS)’ in agreement with the Minister.)

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Assist the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to develop and pass regulations that align with Australian requirements, and implement the scheme by 1 February 2008.

Partially achieved – The Ministry advised Ministers in late 2007 that the 1 February 2008 target date was unachievable due to delays in completing the Trans-Tasman Standards. A revised reporting deadline of 1 August 2008 for a Cabinet paper on the Water Efficiency Labelling System (WELS) was agreed by Ministers.

The Ministry and Ministry of Consumer Affairs consulted the public on development of the regulations.

The Ministry worked with Standards Australia to amend the joint Australia and New Zealand Standards to better account for the New Zealand market context. These will be referenced in the draft regulations. These are behind schedule but are now sufficiently advanced for use in regulations development and to be published in mid-2008.

The Ministry worked with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to ensure proposed policy and regulations will result in a workable scheme in the New Zealand context, and sufficient correspondence with Australian scheme to avoid Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement disputes.

Output: Coordinate the implementation of the new management regime in the Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Area by project managing the implementation programme.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Continue to administer the Fiordland Marine Management Act. Achieved – The Ministry assisted with the publication of the Fiordland Marine Guardians’ Annual Report for 2006/07 and with the development of the User’s Guide to the Fiordland Marine Area. The Ministry attended Fiordland Marine Guardians’ meetings in Invercargill, finalised the communications plan for 2007/08, and coordinated a meeting between the Minister for the Environment and the Guardians. The Ministry prepared Cabinet Appointments and Honours Committee papers seeking appointment of one new Guardian and the reappointment of three Guardians.

Output: Implement a national environmental standard for human drinking-water sources.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Promulgate standard by 31 August 2007. (Note the target date was changed from August 2007 to November 2007 in agreement with the Minister.) Partially achieved – Progress of the human drinking-water sources standards was delayed due to full committee agendas and wider discussions about water policy issues. The human drinking-water sources standards were promulgated on 20 December 2007.
Develop a users’ guide to the regulations to help local government and industry effectively implement the new standard by 31 July 2007. (Note the target date was changed from July 2007 to February 2008 in agreement with the Minister.) Not achieved – Development of a users’ guide was delayed due to limited staff resources. The Ministry began work on a draft users’ guide that will be consulted on in November 2008.
Facilitate workshops for local government and industry to assist them in implementing the standard by 31 July 2007. (Note the target date was changed from July 2007 to June 2008 in agreement with the Minister.) Achieved – Implementation workshops were held in eight locations during May and June 2008.

Output: Contribute to a programme for water quality improvements in the Rotorua lakes.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Participate in meetings of the Rotorua Lakes Strategy Group. Achieved – The Ministry participated in meetings of the Rotorua Lakes Strategy Group and provided advice to the Minister for the Environment. The Government has announced a contribution of $72.1 million over 10 years for the Rotorua Lakes Protection Programme.

Output: Participate as a partner for water quality improvements in Lake Taupo.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Audit and review expenditure by the Lake Taupo Trust for the year to 30 June 2008. (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Monitor expenditure by the Lake Taupo Trust for the year to 30 June 2008’.) Achieved – The Ministry monitored Lake Taupo Trust’s activities and expenditure through participation in the Joint Committee, and through the Trust’s Statement of Intent and Annual Report.
Continue funding in accordance with agreed funding schedule. Achieved – The Ministry contributed $2.67 million for the 2007/08 year to the Trust in accordance with the established payments schedule.

Output: Implement the Sustainable Water Programme of Action (SWPoA).

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Develop a National Policy Statement for Fresh Water by 31 August 2007 and two national environmental standards by 31 December 2007. (Note the target date for the National Policy Statement was changed from 31 August 2007 to December 2007 in agreement with the Minister.)

Partially achieved – On 13 December 2007 relevant iwi authorities, public, and organisations were canvassed to provide comments and views for consideration in preparing a proposed National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. These, and other means of engagement with stakeholders, informed the drafting of the proposed National Policy Statement. The proposed National Policy Statement and Section 32 reports are complete and are to be approved by Cabinet in July 2008. Public notification for the proposed National Policy Statement is scheduled for August 2008.

The Ministry completed public consultation requirements and gained approval for legal drafting of the National Environmental Standard for Measurement of Water Takes.

Cabinet approved the discussion document for a proposed National Environmental Standard on Ecological Flows and Water Levels and the draft scientific guidelines. The public consultation period of four months has been extended by a month and ends 29 August 2008. Eleven public workshops on the proposed National Environmental Standard have been held, with five hui being held in July 2008.

Output: Monitor and evaluate the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Publish an annual progress report of the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord to measure progress towards 2007 and 2012 targets. Achieved – The Clean Streams Accord Snapshot of Progress was released in February 2008. The Snapshot showed good progress against most targets. Discussions have begun on the terms of reference for the review of the Accord which is due to be completed by December 2008.
Produce a baseline report on the environmental outcomes of the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord by 31 December 2007. (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Publish a baseline monitoring report for the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord by 30 June’.) Not Achieved – Data from one council is still outstanding. This has delayed work on this publication. A baseline monitoring report for the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord has now been prepared and a draft will be circulated for consultation by the end of September 2008.

Oceans

Output: Develop the environmental legislation framework to cover significant gaps in oceans management and policy.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Complete public consultation on options to address regulation of environmental effects in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by the end of July 2007 (consultation subject to Cabinet approval). (Note the target date was changed from July 2007 to September 2007 in agreement with the Minister.) Achieved – The Ministry completed consultation on 30 September 2007 with key stakeholders and iwi on options to address regulation of environmental effects in the Exclusive Economic Zone.
Report to Cabinet by the end of October 2007 and seek approval of detailed policy to address regulation of environmental effects in the EEZ and preparation of drafting instructions to be issued to Parliamentary Counsel Office (subject to Cabinet approval). (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Report to Cabinet by the end of October 2007 on the outcome of the consultation and seek approval to the next steps’.) Partially achieved – The Ministry reported to Cabinet on the outcomes of consultation and gained approval for the next steps on 5 December 2007. The Ministry released a summary of submissions.
Develop policy to regulate environmental effects in the Exclusive Economic Zone, dependent on Cabinet direction. Achieved – The Ministry developed policy for EEZ legislation and Cabinet approved drafting of EEZ legislation on 16 June 2008.
Prepare drafting instructions for EEZ Bill by the end of December 2007, subject to decisions made above. (Note the target date was changed from December 2007 to March 2008 in agreement with the Minister.) Partially achieved – The Ministry completed drafting instructions for some parts of the EEZ Bill by 30 June. The remainder of drafting instructions were completed in early July 2008.
Prepare paper for Cabinet Legislation Committee seeking approval for the Bill to be introduced by the end of March 2008 (subject to decisions made above). (Note the target date was changed from March 2008 to June 2008 in agreement with the Minister.) Not achieved – The Ministry did not prepare a paper for the Cabinet Legislation Committee seeking approval for the Bill. The timeframes have changed and the Bill is now unlikely to be introduced until next year.

Aquaculture

Output: Implement the Aquaculture Implementation Plan.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Implement a cross-government approach to aquaculture implementation. Achieved – A cross-government approach to aquaculture implementation has been achieved. The development of the Aquaculture Sector Strategy has been completed. However, the Regional Projects work programme may mean a review of the Aquaculture Sector Strategy will be undertaken. Publishing of the Strategy will be delayed until the Regional Projects work programme has been finalised. The ‘Aquaculture Risk Management Options’ (jointly administered by a cross-governmental team of the Ministry of Fisheries, Department of Conservation, Ministry of Economic Development and Ministry for the Environment) has been completed. The report is available on the Ministry for the Environment’s website.
Support local government processes and promote regional partnerships that implement the aquaculture reforms. Achieved – Forums in the Bay of Plenty and Canterbury regions were undertaken to discuss aquaculture development in the regions as well as the implementation of the Invited Private Plan Change process in Canterbury. A joint forum between Auckland Regional Council and Environment Waikato to discuss aquaculture development in the regions has been delayed due to current council consultation initiatives regarding aquaculture in these regions.
Administer contestable aquaculture planning fund
($2 million over five years).		 Achieved – The project funding and delivery agreements for the five projects that were granted funding from the first and second 2007 round of the Aquaculture Planning Fund have been completed.The second 2007 funding round (November) received four applications requesting a total of $190,296 against total project costs of $409,211. Of the four projects, two were approved, one declined and a decision deferred on the fourth project. A total of $122,320 has been allocated in the second funding round. The first 2008 funding round (May) received five applications requesting a total of $334,040 against total project costs of $918,440. Of the five projects, two were approved, one declined and two invited to resubmit to the second 2008 funding round. A total of $52,400 has been allocated in the first 2008 funding round.

Biodiversity

Output: Jointly administer (with the Department of Conservation) the Biodiversity Condition and Advice Funds.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance

Conduct two funding rounds of the Biodiversity Condition and Advice Funds by 30 June 2008.

Partially achieved – The first funding round, held in November 2007, has been completed. One hundred and eight applications were received for the Biodiversity Condition and Advice Funds. Sixty-eight projects for the Condition Fund were granted funding. Sixteen projects for the Advice Fund were granted funding. A total of $1,966,603 was allocated from Vote: Conservation, and administered in conjunction with the Department of Conservation, for this funding round.

The second funding round opened in April 2008, with assessments planned to take place in August 2008.

Urban and infrastructure

Output: Implement the Urban Design Protocol.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Raise awareness of urban design through administering the Urban Design Protocol throughout the financial year ended 30 June 2008. Achieved – The Ministry raised awareness of urban design throughout the year through the following:
  • a Tauranga Urban Design Champions’ workshop, as part of the Tauranga City Council’s Urban Design week
  • Publishing the Addison Housing Development Urban Design Case Study in partnership with McConnell Property Limited and Papakura District Council
  • sponsorship of the Wellington City Council’s Urban Design week
  • a series of workshops with urban design professionals scoping the desirability of a National Policy Statement on Urban Design
  • seven editions of the urban design champions’ e-newsletter were produced and sent to Urban Design Protocol signatories.
The Ministry worked with Urban Design Protocol signatories to develop and implement their action plans. Twenty more organisations became signatories to the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol, bringing the total number of signatories to 152.

Output: Develop the potential for creating national policy statements or national environment standards around network infrastructure.

Performance Measure

2007/08 Performance

Finalise national environmental standards on telecommunication facilities by December 2008. (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Report back to Cabinet on preferred policy for national environmental standards on telecommunication facilities by March 2008’.)

Achieved – The Ministry reported back to Cabinet on preferred policy for national environmental standards on telecommunication facilities on 20 February 2008. Cabinet agreed to policy. Regulation Drafting with the Parliamentary Counsel Office has begun.

Finalise national environmental standards on transmission by 28 February 2008. (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Report back to Cabinet on preferred policy for national environmental standards on electricity transmission by 30 April 2008’.)

Partially achieved – The report back to Cabinet was delayed to May 2008 due to the complex nature of issues raised by submitters. The Ministry began consultation with key stakeholders on the final draft of the national environmental standards for electricity transmission activities and began a plan review and cost benefit appraisal.

Publicly notify and consult on a proposed National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission. (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Board of Inquiry to hold hearings and report on the proposed National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission by December 2007. Consider Board’s report and recommendations by April 2008’.)

Achieved – The Board of Inquiry on the proposed National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission held hearings in August 2007 and presented its initial briefing and report to the Minister in November 2007. Cabinet approved the National Policy Statement, which was gazetted in March.

Report back to Cabinet on a draft national policy statement for renewable energy by 31 December 2007.

Partially achieved – The Ministry submitted a Cabinet Paper in early June 2008 recommending members for the Board of Inquiry to hear submissions on the proposed National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation. Cabinet approved the proposed members in early July 2008.

The Ministry submitted a proposed National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation to the Office of the Minister for the Environment on 27 June 2008.

Resource Management Act

Output: Assist Ministers with their statutory functions under environmental laws and ministerial responsibilities.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance

Advise the Minister for the Environment of statutory functions under the RMA within statutory timeframes that are set under the RMA, or where no timeframes exist, as promptly as is reasonable in the circumstances. This includes:

  • applications received for requiring authority status, heritage protection authority status, or water conservation orders

  • the development of national policy statements.

(Note the measure above was changed from ‘Process all formal requests for statutory acts under the RMA’, in agreement with the Minister.)

 

Achieved – The Ministry provided advice on Environment Court appeals, water conservation orders, requiring authorities, heritage protection authorities, RMA advice and RMA research.

Environment Court appeals

Achieved – The Crown appeared at the Mahinerangi wind farm Environment Court hearing and provided witnesses on government energy and climate change policy, transmission and the operation of the national grid.

The Ministry provided a briefing to the Minister for the Environment seeking approval to join the Environment Court appeals against the Project Hayes wind farm. The Crown has joined in opposition to the appeal.

Water conservation orders

Achieved – The Special Tribunal presented its report on the Oreti River Water Conservation Order application in November 2007. The Special Tribunal considering the Fish and Game Application for an amendment to the Buller River Water Conservation Order 2001 released its final decision in December 2007.

Achieved – The Associate Minster was advised to accept an application by Fish and Game New Zealand. A special Tribunal has been appointed to amend the Kawarau Water Conservation Order.

Achieved – An application for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River was received in August 2007. The application was assessed and further information requested. The Associate Minister for the Environment accepted the application and consultation on candidates for a special tribunal is underway.

Requiring authorities

Achieved – Contact Energy’s application to become a requiring authority for the purpose of line function services for its proposed Waikato wind farm was considered. It was recommended that it be approved and was gazetted in November.

Achieved – The Wiri Oil Services Ltd application to become a requiring authority for the distribution and transmission of petroleum by pipeline was considered. It was recommended that it be approved and was gazetted in May 2008.

Achieved – The Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd application was considered. It was recommended that it be approved and was gazetted in December 2007.

Achieved – The Vector Wellington Electricity Network Limited application for line function services for the Wellington region was considered. The Ministry prepared advice for the Minister.

Heritage protection authority

Achieved – The New Zealand Orchids’ Council application was considered. It was recommended that it be approved and was gazetted in April 2008.

Resource Management Act advice

Achieved – Eleven briefing notes were delivered to the Minister, as well as a think piece on how the Resource Management Act manages issues associated with cumulative effects.

Resource Management Act research

Achieved – A pilot project to determine the direct and indirect costs to business of the resource consent process and housing costs was completed. Four surveys on the costs of obtaining resource consents for housing developments were carried out.

Output: Contribute to the implementation of the Resource Management Act (RMA) amendments relating to the Foreshore and Seabed Act.

Performance Measure

2007/08 Performance

Participate in Foreshore and Seabed negotiations and provide advice on RMA instruments for recognising claims.

Achieved – The Ministry contributed to negotiations of Heads of Agreement signed in February 2008 between the Crown and representatives of hapū of Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau a Apanui. The Crown is to enter into Deeds of Agreement with Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau a Apanui in August 2008.

Implement the Ministry’s obligations arising from recognition of claims including support for councils implementing the RMA requirements from recognition of claims under the Foreshore and Seabed Act.

Achieved – The Ministry provided briefings to the Minister for the Environment before Foreshore and Seabed Ministers’ Group meetings. The Ministry participated in Foreshore and Seabed negotiations as requested by the Ministry of Justice and provided input into the development of redress instruments.

Until a deed is reached by Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau a Apanui, the Ministry has no implementation obligations for claims under the Foreshore and Seabed Act.

Output: Work with local government and iwi to engage effectively in the management, use and development of natural resources, through support for relationship building at the governance level, and training and support for practitioners working on RMA implementation and sustainable development.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Enable, promote and support effective participation of Māori in the management of natural resources and input government policy development through the provision of:
  • iwi and hapū RMA training workshops
  • networks for iwi and hapū practitioners, local government iwi liaison and Māori planning staff, central government Māori resource policy advisers and iwi authority chief executives
  • information resources
  • iwi planning document development and implementation
  • iwi and hapū participation in community-based natural resource management groups, eg, Kaikoura – Te Korowai o te Tai o Marokura.
 Achieved – The Ministry promoted and supported the participation of Māori in natural resource and government policy development by:
  • providing Iwi Management Plan workshops: two workshops were organised with Ngai Tahu ki Murihiku in Queenstown and Invercargill; three workshops were organised with the Ngatiwai Māori Trust Board in Orewa, Kaikohe, and Whangarei
  • providing Iwi Management Plan development and implementation assistance to Ngati Hine
  • supporting the delivery of RMA workshops for Māori through the RMA Education and Advisory Fund on ‘Making the Resource Management Act work for Māori’
  • preparing guidance material for the Quality Planning website on frequently asked questions on Iwi Management Plans and council engagement with Tangata Whenua for RMA Processes. A Ngai Tahu case study is awaiting uploading to the website
  • continuing to participate in and provide support for the work of Te Korowai o te Tai o Marokura (Kaikoura Coastal Marine Guardians), which is aimed at developing a management strategy for the Kaikoura coast.

Output: Provide advice on the use of natural resources in the settlement of historical Treaty of Waitangi grievances.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance

Provide timely input into Treaty claim negotiations.

Achieved – The Ministry provided input to the Office of Treaty Settlements led negotiation processes, attended monthly meetings and provided advice on six settlements.

An in principle agreement between Waikato-Tainui and the Crown was signed in December 2007. The Ministry participated in negotiations and provided advice on RMA instruments for the settlement package and participated in senior officials’ advisory groups to the Guardians’ Establishment Committee.

Output: Run the Chief Executives’ Environment Forum (CEEF).

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Co-chair and provide secretariat services to three Chief Executives’ Environment Forums in 2007/2008. Achieved – The Ministry co-chaired and provide secretariat services to four Chief Executives Environment Forum (CEEF) meetings.
Survey attendees to monitor the effectiveness of CEEF. Achieved – The informal surveying of attendees to monitor the effectiveness of CEEF has continued. Feedback indicates that the new agenda setting process has increased the value of the meetings to attendees. Consequently, attendance numbers have been higher. CEEF is now serving its purpose as a strategic discussion and decision-making forum.

Output: Monitor the quality of local government’s performance of its RMA functions.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Undertake and report on the RMA survey of local authorities. Publish the findings in the 2007/08 financial year. (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Undertake and report on reviews of local government performance under the RMA as may be directed by the Minister for the Environment or that may be needed as issues arise’.) Achieved – Reports on the resource consent processing performance of 11 target councils were released by the Minister for the Environment in February 2008.
Provide targeted assistance for up to four councils. Achieved – The Ministry delivered targeted assistance to Mackenzie District Council in March 2008 and New Plymouth District Council in May 2008. Ten councils have received targeted assistance since the programme was established by the Ministry in 2003.

Output: Monitor and improve the quality of RMA processes and decisions.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Provide guidance and training to resource management practitioners, decision-makers, businesses, iwi and the public, through:
  • Deliver and enhance the Making Good Decisions programme for RMA decision-makers.(Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Provide training rounds for the Making Good Decisions programme in December 2007 and February/March 2008’.)
(Note ‘Identify training programmes for RMA practitioners by July 2007’, and ‘Reconsider the development of structured framework training in particular resource consent training by July 2007’ are also reported under this measure.)		 Achieved – The Ministry delivered 12 workshops, involving over 300 participants, for the Making Good Decisions programme. The Ministry delivered a further 15 workshops, involving 300 more participants in April/ May for those seeking re-certification. The Ministry helped deliver 13 training workshops for RMA practitioners including: Historic Heritage and the RMA, RMA Hearings Administrators, Air Pollution Control Training, RMA General Administrators/Planning Technicians, and Iwi Management Plans workshops. Workshops were attended by 407 practitioners.
Provide ongoing advice to business and the public on the RMA through the 0800 RMAINFO service. Achieved – The Ministry received and responded to a total of 675 queries (419 phone calls and 256 emails) through the RMAINFO service.
Maintain, update and develop the Quality Planning website. Four new guidance notes will be completed in 2007/08 and two new research projects will be under development. (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Developing the Quality Planning website including the completion of four new guidance notes in 2007/08’.) Achieved – The Ministry continued development and maintenance of the Quality Planning website and guidance notes. Four new guidance notes (Planning for the Wine Industry, Esplanade Reserves, Structuring and Organising Plans, and Writing Plan Provisions) were put on the website in the 2007/08 year. New Frequently Asked Questions on Iwi Management Plans were also added to the website, and significant updates were made to three existing guidance notes. The Ministry received approximately 25,000 visits to the Quality Planning website per month, with a total of 370,501 visits for the year.
Provide information and advice on the development of second generation plans and policy statements. Input, by way of written comment and/or meetings, into six second generation regional policy statements and district plans. Participate in the Regional Council Policy Manager’s Regional Policy Statement Development Interest Group. Partially achieved – The Ministry received 246 council plan changes or variations and 380 items of correspondence during the year. Input by way of written comment and/or meetings on second generation regional policy statements and district plans was made to five local authorities including Environment Canterbury, Wellington Regional Council, Horizons Manawatu-Wanganui, Hauraki District Council and Dunedin City Council. The Ministry attended all meetings of regional policy managers.

Hazardous Substances and New Organisms

Output: Monitor Hazardous Substances Compliance and Enforcement Strategy and raise awareness of issues.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Report to the Minister on progress in implementing the Hazardous Substances Compliance and Enforcement Strategy by 31 October 2007. Achieved – The Ministry reported to the Minister for the Environment on progress with implementing the Hazardous Substances Compliance and Enforcement Strategy by 31 October 2007. Some progress on the strategy was achieved but was constrained through limited resources both at the Environmental Risk Management Authority and the Department of Labour. The Ministry is continuing to work with these agencies to further achievements related to the Strategy.
Report to the Minister on the level of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) compliance with critical controls in priority industries by December 2007. Partially achieved – The Ministry provided a list of priority industries in the report to the Minister for the Environment on the Hazardous Substances Compliance and Enforcement Strategy. Department of Labour inspectors are currently collecting information on compliance levels in these areas, which will inform the Environmental Risk Management Authority and the Ministry of areas that require attention in 2008/09.
Develop and report to the Minister on a reproducible analysis of compliance costs in priority industries by March 2008. Not achieved – The Ministry is waiting for information from the Department of Labour because they are the compliance and enforcement agents.

Output: Work with the Ministry of Economic Development and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to develop a management plan to reduce the use of Methyl Bromide in New Zealand

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Develop a strategy to reduce reliance on methyl bromide in consultation with key agencies and relevant stakeholders by 30 June 2008.

Partially achieved – The Ministry continued to coordinate government and industry initiatives on reducing New Zealand’s reliance on methyl bromide. The Ministry held meetings with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Environmental Risk Management Authority to discuss the court case in Nelson regarding methyl bromide fumigation and the implications for forestry trade to overseas countries.

The Ministry discussed with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Ministry of Economic Development and industry stakeholders the proposed management structure of Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction and supported the formal incorporation of this group together with an agreed set of priority action areas.

The Ministry finalised an agreement with government agencies and industry on a voluntary industry levy on each kilogram of methyl bromide imported to New Zealand, with the money collected to go to researching alternatives.

International

Output: Promote New Zealand’s environmental and sustainable development interests internationally.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Lead the negotiation of environment provisions in trade agreements as directed by Cabinet.

Achieved – The Ministry led negotiations in July, August, October and December to conclude the environmental cooperation agreement with China under the New Zealand – China Free Trade Agreement.

The Ministry participated in meetings with Indonesia in September 2007 and February 2008 on New Zealand’s approach to environmental cooperation agreements, and led the first two negotiations with the Philippines in February and May 2008 for an environmental cooperation agreement in the context of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

The Ministry participated in meetings with the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh in June 2008 on New Zealand’s approach to environmental cooperation agreements in the context of Free Trade Agreements.
Lead the implementation of environment cooperation arrangements signed in the context of international trade agreements. Achieved – The Ministry led the implementation of environment cooperation arrangements that provide for cooperation activities by:
  • hosting the second New Zealand-Thailand Environment Committee meeting in August 2007 to review progress with, and priorities for, the Environment Cooperation Arrangement between New Zealand and Thailand
  • hosting a workshop and study tour for Chile to New Zealand on geothermal resource development under the Environment Cooperation Agreement with Chile, Singapore and Brunei.
Ensure New Zealand interests are represented at meetings of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Environmental Policy Committee, OECD Joint Working Party on Trade and Environment, World Trade Organisations Committee on Trade and Environment, United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development, United Nations Environment Programme, and other international organisations as appropriate. Achieved – The Ministry represented New Zealand:
  • at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Environmental Policy Committee meetings in September 2007 to review the five yearly OECD Environmental Outlook report
  • in November 2007 to prepare papers and agenda for the OECD Ministerial Meeting; in April 2008 to attend the Ministerial Meeting
  • in June 2008 to set the upcoming work programme for the OECD Environment Directorate
  • at OECD meetings in December 2007 and June 2008 of the Joint Working Party on Trade and Environment
  • at the United Nations Environment Programme Global Training Programme on Environmental Law and Policy in Nairobi in November 2007.

Output: Monitor developments with Cartagena Protocol and lead the development of New Zealand’s domestic policy and implementation to ensure compliance with the Protocol.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Participate in meetings of the parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in October 2007, March 2008 and May 2008. Achieved – The Ministry participated in the fourth meeting of the working group of technical and legal experts on liability and redress in the context of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. These meetings were held in Montreal, Canada, in October 2007; in Cartagena, Columbia in March 2008; and in Bonn, Germany in May 2008.
Participate in developing New Zealand position papers in line with the intercessional schedule leading to the meetings of the Parties. Achieved – The Ministry participated in developing New Zealand position papers before each of the meetings of the Parties.

Environmental awareness

Output: Monitor and evaluate the state of New Zealand’s environment.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Publish a state of the environment report by 31 December 2007 that introduces the core national environmental indicators and presents a picture of the current state of the environment. Achieved – The Ministry completed and published Environment New Zealand 2007, the second national-level state of the environment report and its accompanying summary report in December 2007. Environment New Zealand 2007 and its summary report were publicly released on 31 January 2008.
Produce annual updates of the core national environmental indicators. (Note this measure was changed in agreement with the Minister to ‘Maintain a system of core national environmental indicators and report updates as scheduled in the environmental reporting framework’.) Achieved – The Ministry tested and maintained the core environmental indicators and used them in the production of Environment New Zealand 2007. The Ministry reviewed the indicator set following the release of Environment New Zealand 2007.
Issue occasional reports on aspects of our environment as required. Achieved – The Ministry produced and publicly released the 2006/07 National Landfill Census (2007), Lake Water Quality in New Zealand report (2007), and the Groundwater Quality in New Zealand report (2007). The Ministry completed a census of New Zealand cleanfills and progress is being made on a four-season Solid Waste Analysis Protocol audit to update national-level data on waste composition in landfills.

Output: Run environmental awareness raising events.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance

Implement environmental awareness raising events within the 2007/08 financial year, including:

The Youth Environment Forum by 31 July 2007 with at least two participants from each region. Gain participation from youth in all New Zealand regions.

 Partially achieved – The Youth Environment Forum was held in Wellington from 1 July to 5 July 2007. Thirty-nine students from 16 of the 17 regions attended. The timing of the Youth Environment Forum has been changed to run in April/May annually, therefore the Ministry ran a second Forum from 27 April to 2 May 2008. Forty-four students from 16 of the 17 regions attended this Forum.
Events to celebrate World Environment Day week
(5–8 June) including the Green Ribbon Awards. (The number of nominations received will reflect the quality of the communications for the event.)		 Achieved – The Ministry held the Green Ribbon Awards during World Environment Day week in June. A total of 94 nominations were received (an increase of 25 from the previous year). World Environment Day 2008 is reported on in its own output class later in this report.
Talk Environment meetings by December 2007 with at least 20 meetings being held. Achieved – The Talk Environment Roadshow was held from 17 October to 2 November in 18 locations (32 meetings) around New Zealand. In total, 1,538 people registered to attend these meetings.

Output: Evaluate environmental awareness raising events.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Survey participants’ experience at the Youth Environment Forum and report on the findings in the 2007/08 financial year. Partially achieved – Two (rather than one) Youth Environment Forums were held in the 2007/08 financial year (July 2007 and April 2008) as part of changing the annual timing to better fit with the school year. Feedback through a delegate survey from the 2007 Youth Environment Forum was positive, with students reporting that presenting their project to the Associate Minister for the Environment was a highlight. All of the delegates who responded to the survey have held at least one environmental project or event in their region since attending the Forum. A de-brief with the 2008 chaperones produced valuable feedback that will be incorporated in to the 2009 Forum.
Survey Talk Environment participants and publish key feedback on the Ministry’s website by 31 December 2007. Achieved – The Ministry surveyed Talk Environment participants and 96.7% of respondents indicated that the Roadshow was a very useful forum. Key feedback was published on the Ministry’s website in December 2007.

Output: Monitor the performance of the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) against outputs the Minister for the Environment has agreed to purchase (as defined in the Output Agreement) and advise the Minister on appointments to the Authority.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Assist with drafting and signing off on ERMA New Zealand’s reporting requirements and coordinate appointments as required. Achieved – The Ministry assisted with drafting and signing off on ERMA New Zealand’s reporting requirements as follows:
  • developed a proposal to give ERMA access to relevant Cabinet minutes. The Minister approved the proposal in December 2007
  • briefed the Minister on issues arising from ERMA’s quarterly reports.
  • provided contributions to the Treasury’s six monthly report on Crown entities’ performance for incorporation into its report to Cabinet
  • provided input into ERMA’s Statement of Intent 2008–2011 and Output Agreement.
The Ministry coordinated four appointments to the Authority, including the roles of the Chair and Deputy Chair, which were confirmed by Cabinet in February and June 2008. The Ministry prepared recommendations for an increase in fees for ERMA’s board members. This increase was approved by the Minister.

Output: Monitor the performance of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) against outputs the Minister for the Environment has agreed to purchase (as defined in the Output Plan) for delivery of grants to low income householders for upgrading or installing clean heaters, in areas of poor air quality.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Assist with drafting and signing off on Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s reporting requirements, including as an input to reporting on the cross-agency EnergyWise Homes package. Achieved – The Ministry advised the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority on its reporting obligations for delivery of clean heat grants in 2007/08, both through regular quarterly reports to the Minister for the Environment and as part of the Ministry’s role in monitoring agencies’ delivery of activities funded under the EnergyWise Homes package. The Ministry briefed the Minister on issues arising from EECA’s quarterly reports.

Bioethics Council

Output: Advise the Minister for the Environment on appointments to the Bioethics Council.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Coordinate appointments as required. Achieved – The Ministry coordinated three appointments to the Bioethics Council, which were confirmed by Cabinet in July 2007.

Output: Promote relevant science and research.

Performance Measure 2007/08 Performance
Coordinate with central government departments and the Foundation for Research Science and Technology to ensure that the research and development needs for environmental policy and management are met. Achieved – The Ministry continued to work with central and local government, research providers and investment agencies to address the information needs for environmental policy and management. Areas of focus have included the information needs for sustainability (including urban sustainability and waste).

Ministerial Support

Output: Provide support to the Ministers.

Note: The table covers performance for both the Minister for the Environment and the Minister Responsible for Climate Change Issues.

Actual 2005/06 Actual 2006/07 Performance Measures 2007/08 Performance Target 2007/08
1,613 2,374 Number of Ministerial correspondence1 1,248 N/A
95% 87% The percentages of Ministerial drafts provided for the Ministers’ signature are accurate. 90% 90%
94% 91% The percentages of draft Ministerial replies are completed within 10 working days of receipt by the Ministry.2 85% 95%
37 71 Number of departmental Official Information Act requests 122 N/A
89% 83% The percentage of Departmental Official Information Act requests sent out within statutory deadlines. 65% 100%
79 65 Number of Ministerial Official Information Act requests 80 N/A
86% 75% The percentage of Ministerial Official Information Act requests sent to the Ministers’ Offices within timeframes. 68% 100%
93 478 Number of Parliamentary Questions 317 N/A
97% 93% The percentage of Parliamentary Questions (including supplementary questions) sent to the Ministers’ Offices within timeframes. 98% 100%

1 The figures noted above in the number of Ministerial correspondence received in 2005/06 and 2006/07 included briefing notes, Ministerials, speeches, media releases and Official Information Act requests. The figure provided for 2007/08 consists of Ministerials only. The figures solely for Ministerials in 2005/06 and in 2006/07 are 1,052 and 1,486 respectively.

2 The timeliness measure for Ministerial correspondence changed during the year from 20 working days to 10 working days in agreement with the Ministers.

1  The Statement of Intent 2007 – 2010 p. 53 incorrectly stated that 2007/08 was year one of the three-year programme.

 

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