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Welcome
Welcome to the new look Environz. Thank you to those readers who responded to our readership survey last year, this is the result of your suggestions. We are also pleased to announce that Environz is now printed on 60 per cent recycled paper and was sent to you in biodegradable flow-wrap (called NatureFlex™). Using this flow-wrap is an experiment for both the distribution company and us
Sustainability is now firmly at the heart of the government’s agenda and the Ministry for the Environment welcomes the Prime Minister’s resolve to aim for a truly sustainable New Zealand.
It is exciting to see sustainability recognised for the competitive advantage it can provide in terms of lifestyle, quality of life, business results and, of course, quality of environment.
All of us have an important role to play in making New Zealand more sustainable. The Ministry will be driving a number of programmes to support sustainablity in New Zealand’s businesses and households, and how as a nation we can further reduce waste. We will show leadership in reducing our carbon footprint, and purchasing sustainable goods and services. Our intention is to provide the advice, information and support that enables people to make a difference.
I want to highlight two important sub-themes embedded in the sustainability initiatives. These are climate change and fresh water.
The recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change makes it clear the world’s climate is changing. We need enduring policies that are in New Zealand’s best interests. We have consulted on a series of discussion documents that lay out policy options for climate change and energy, and the government is committed to action this year.
New Zealand’s fresh water is a valuable resource domestically and an important competitive advantage for this country in the future. With the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, we are developing a better framework for the management of fresh water that will reverse the decline we have seen in the quality of some freshwater systems. At the same time, the system of allocation is being examined to improve equitable access to water.
Hugh Logan
Chief Executive and Secretary for the Environment
Ministry for the Environment
