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A changing Ministry
This is an exciting and significant time for the Ministry. Changes in the awareness, range, complexity and importance of environmental matters and sustainability has become, and will continue to be, the compelling issue of our time.
As we move speedily towards the end of another year, it’s a good time to reflect on the progress with our work over the past 12 months. Environmental issues, such as those associated with climate change, are presenting new challenges on a scale never experienced before.
Just recently, New Zealand has taken some big steps towards meeting some of these environmental challenges.
One of these steps came with the enactment of the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading) Amendment Act 2008 in September, which saw the entry of New Zealand into a carbon trading market.
The Ministry worked extremely hard with other government agencies to see this legislation come to fruition and the major work of implementing the emissions trading scheme is based in our head office.
September saw another legislative milestone for the Ministry with the passing of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. The new Act sees New Zealand taking a huge step towards zero waste and greater resource efficiency.
With summer nearly upon us, much of our recreational activities will be focused around fresh water. Ensuring that we have a comprehensive policy for the management of fresh water in place is another Ministry priority that we are working hard to achieve. Submissions on the proposed National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management close in January and I would strongly encourage you to have your say. (See page 08 for more information.)
The demands and expectations of the Ministry have changed and expanded significantly. I am determined that the Ministry will take a stronger role in future, providing a depth of knowledge about the state of the environment, leading debate inside and outside government on environmental sustainability and the changes required if New Zealand is to meet high environmental standards.
On that note, I’d like to wish you all a great summer break. I know you will all make the effort to look after our beautiful environment while you’re out enjoying it!
Paul Reynolds
Chief Executive
Ministry for the Environment
