In brief

Standards for telecommunications facilities now in effect

The national environmental standards for telecommunications facilities came into force on 9 October 2008. These cover radio-frequency fields, noise, installation of telecommunications equipment cabinets and installation of masts and antennas on existing structures subject to specified limitations.

For more information see www.mfe.govt.nz/laws/standards/telecommunication-standards.html

Exclusive Economic Zone Bill

The Ministry has been developing legislation to improve the environmental management of activities in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The heavy workload of the Parliamentary Counsel Office meant it was not possible to finish drafting of a Bill before the Election. This project remains a high priority on the Ministry's work programme.

Further information is available at http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/oceans

Amendments for aquaculture legislation

The Aquaculture Legislation Amendment Bill passed in September clarified the policy intent of the aquaculture reforms. Now applications for the occupation of the coastal marine area for aquaculture activities cannot be made unless they relate to aquaculture management areas in operative regional coastal plans.

For more information email aquaculture@mfe.govt.nz

Beneath the Reflections

Beneath the Reflections, A User’s Guide to the Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Area was launched in Invercargill last month. The guide provides an overall introduction to the Fiordland marine environment, including the physical and biological character of Fiordland and how it is managed. Practical user information about the activities permitted, including the relevant regulations, and a fiord-by-fiord guide for the Fiordland Marine Area is also included in the guide.

Beneath the Reflections is $15.00 a copy and can be purchased through the Department of Conservation.

Order forms are available on www.fmg.org.nz

For your diary. . .

Topic	Date	Input	Contact
Proposed National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management	Submissions close 23 January 2009	Submissions	Administration Officer – Board of Inquiry-Water Freepost Board of Inquiry – Water c/o Ministry for the Environment PO Box 10362 Wellington 6143 Email: freshwaternps@mfe.govt.nz Phone: 0800 000035
Proposed National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation	Initial submissions closed 5.00pm 31 October 2008Further submissions close 5.00pm 19 December 2008	Submissions	Melissa Keys Executive Officer for Board of Inquiry Phone: 04 439 7488 Email: renewable.electricity@mfe.govt.nz

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