Environz

• Environment Minister explains main aspects of RMA reform
• Emissions reduction and the art of negotiation
• Managing environmental challenges (New year, new challenges)
• Had any rubbish ideas lately?
• Test certifier regime review
• Schools stepping up for active travel with feet first
• Dairying and Clean Streams Accord
• Water – our shared resource
• Getting ready for coastal change
• Young minds thinking alike
• In brief
• For your diary

New year, new challenges

The start of 2009 has certainly been a busy one for the Ministry with a range of critical environmental issues driving our work.

Significant issues such as water quality, land-use intensification, the effective operation of resource management, and climate change are all complex and interconnected.

Pursuing an appropriate balance between meeting our environmental responsibilities and ensuring we address these with the economic, social and cultural well-being of New Zealanders in mind is essential.

The Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Bill, which was introduced to Parliament in February, dominated much of the early part of this year. The changes, which are aimed at improving processes without compromising environmental protections, will include a further phase of reform. The Ministry is now focussing on the establishment of an Environmental Protection Authority.

The review of the Emissions Trading Scheme and international negotiations on climate change continue to be a core part of the work that we do. The Ministry is currently involved in supporting the special select committee reviewing the Emissions Trading Scheme and related matters.

Improving freshwater management continues to dominate much of our work. To deal with issues of water quality and demand we need to keep improving management practices and building public understanding of how critical water issues are for New Zealand’s long-term well-being. Freshwater management will be part of the next stage of reforms to the Resource Management Act planned to address specific areas of concern.

Public feedback is also being sought on waste minimisation following the introduction of the Waste Minimisation Act in September last year. Consultation has just begun on changes that should be made to targets in the New Zealand Waste Strategy, monitoring the effectiveness of the waste levy and product stewardship for the Government, among other things.

Managing the challenges and opportunities that face our environment certainly isn’t easy, and it’s crucial that we have New Zealanders on board. After all, while the Government plays a role in protecting and nurturing our environment, it is New Zealanders who make an incalculable difference on the ground, helping us to meet the challenges we face.

Paul Reynolds
Chief Executive
Ministry for the Environment

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