In brief

Urban design protocol – now at 150 signatories
Following the Hutt City’s new commitment to urban design, there are now 150 members from the private and public sector signed up to New Zealand’s Urban Design Protocol. The signatories are committed to making our cities healthy, safe and attractive places where business, social and cultural life can flourish. The Protocol’s successful and innovative approach to urban design outcomes is now being recognised internationally. For more information visit www.mfe.govt/urban/, email yvonne.weber@mfe.govt.nz or phone (04) 439 7564.

New and updated Quality Planning guidance notes
The Ministry, along with its partners, has prepared new Resource Management Act guidance notes and is updating existing ones for the Quality Planning website. The new Esplanade Reserves and updated Land Transport guidance notes are now available on www.qp.org.nz/

The updated Monitoring and Reporting One-Stop-Shop, made up of ten monitoring guidance notes, is due up shortly, as are new guidance notes on structuring and organising regional and district plans, writing provisions for regional and district plans, and council engagement with tangata whenua. For more information email natasha.tod@mfe.govt.nz or phone (04) 439 7716.

Dairying and Clean Streams Accord– year 4 report
The fourth progress report on the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord was released on 26 February. The report shows steady progress is being made towards the Accord’s targets in most areas, but work is still needed in managing nutrient inputs and outputs and to ensure farmers comply with effluent discharge regulations. For more information email nelson.gapare@mfe.govt.nz or phone (04) 439 7411.

New Zealand expert to chair international climate change group
Helen Plume, a senior operator at the Ministry, has been elected to chair an important scientific group under the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Plume will chair the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice for the next two years. Climate Change Minister David Parker said it was an honour that recognised Plume’s exceptional ability and dedication to climate change issues.

Emissions trading scheme update
The Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill has been referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee for consideration. Draft regulations for liquid fossil fuels and forestry have been released to provide more information about participants' obligations. The final regulations are dependent on the provisions of the Bill once passed into law. To view the draft regulations and provide feedback visit www.climatechange.govt.nz/

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