Report of the Ministry for the Environment

• Overview of the 2010/11 Year
• Statement of Service Performance for the Year Ended 30 June 2011
• Financial Statements for the Ministry for the Environment
  • Notes to the Financial Statements
• Non-Departmental Statements and Schedules for the Year Ended 30 June 2011
  • Notes to the Non-Departmental Financial Statements
• Audit Report
• Contact Information
• Appendix A: Advisory Bodies 2010/11
• Appendix B: Organisational Chart
• Environmental stewardship for a prosperous New Zealand – a dashboard approach

Report of the Ministry for the Environment
For the Year Ended 30 June 2011

Introduction from the Chief Executive

Giving effect to significant changes to New Zealand's environmental management framework has been an important focus of the Ministry's work for 2010/11.

This year has introduced the most significant change in the environment sector for some years, with the establishment of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) as a new Crown entity. The EPA became operational on 1 July 2011. The Ministry for the Environment and ERMA New Zealand put significant effort into the establishment project over 2010/11, with support from the Ministry of Economic Development. Functions and powers from all three agencies have been transferred to the EPA. Administration of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme will transfer on 1 January 2012.

With the entry of the energy, industry and transport sectors into the Emissions Trading Scheme on 1 July 2010, the Ministry and other government agencies worked on ensuring all elements of the scheme are operating as planned. A scheduled review of the Scheme has been undertaken by a panel and a report provided to the Minister.

A major milestone was also reached in our work to improve freshwater management with the announcement of a national policy statement and other initiatives that recognise the strategic value of fresh water to New Zealand's economy and way of life.

We have continued to focus on organisational development and capability building. Through our new strategic direction, we are aiming to make sure that every person working at the Ministry can see how their work contributes to achieving the mission of 'environmental stewardship for a prosperous New Zealand'. The supporting strategies help us to put into practice the approaches we need to take in our work, and the behaviours we need to excel at to help us deliver.

We want to ensure that we are in a strong position to deliver on the Government's priorities for New Zealand's environment and economy. During 2010/11, we have continued to build analytical capability and embed frameworks to help drive improvements to the way in which we provide advice.

[signed by]
Dr Paul Reynolds
Chief Executive

 

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Last updated: 18 October 2011