environz - Take Taiao Aotearoa
November 2006

Walking the Govt³ talk

Govt³ Awards 2006 recipients

Prepare now for climate variability

On the road – our chance to meet you

Christchurch Council wins performance excellence award

Minister launches RMA information package

Ministry celebrates 20th anniversary

Have your say

Seasons greetings

Packaging Accord succeeds in reducing waste

Butter wrapped clothes and carpets save on landfill

A clearer picture of air quality

Delivering quality urban design – do we have the right skills?

Pacific partners focus on waste, air quality and resource management

Getting ready for climate change

Smelter slashes emissions to tackle climate change

Have your say on climate change

Fireworks regulations under scrutiny

Tonnes of support for recycling day

In Brief

Consultation - what's coming up

 

Walking the Govt³ talk

Central government showed its ongoing commitment to ‘walk the talk’ on sustainability at the 2006 Govt³ Awards.

Govt³ is part of a package of initiatives designed to improve environmental sustainability and address climate change. The programme helps government agencies to become more sustainable in their practice regarding buildings, transport, waste management and procurement of office supplies.

The awards ceremony on 9 October celebrated the outstanding achievements by a number of Govt³ agencies across eight categories. Award winners include the Department of Conservation, Inland Revenue, Department of Corrections, The Treasury, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, New Zealand Defence Force, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority and the Ministry of Fisheries.

At the awards presentation, Environment Minister David Benson-Pope said, “the Govt³ programme is showing results where the Government has achieved financial, social, and environmental savings – all key tools in environmental sustainability and economic transformation. Every saving we make can be channelled into tackling the challenge of climate change.”

Mr Benson-Pope said Cabinet had directed Govt³ agencies to accelerate the adoption of sustainable building and sustainable transport practices, and their work toward vehicle purchasing guidelines that improve economy and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

A record number of 57 entries were received for the 2006 Govt³ awards. Star winner at the awards was Inland Revenue which won the leadership, staff behaviour change and sustainable transport categories.

Department of Corrections won the energy efficiency award and its impressive efforts include cutting energy costs by more than $1.2 million since starting its energy efficiency programme in 2002.

The winner in the sustainable buildings category was the Department of Conservation for its new office in the former Hoyts movie theatre complex in Wellington. The building has a 5-star rating and been recognised as one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in the country.

Industry and Govt³ agency representatives attending the awards ceremony said they were impressed by the progress made by a number of Govt³ agencies in adopting sustainable practices.

Kathryn Maxwell, project leader for the Govt³ programme, says “it is really heartening to see so many government agencies keen to do the right thing in relation to sustainability. The awards inspired other agencies to do better and accelerate their activities. The high number of nominations received for each award category shows healthy competition is starting to emerge between the agencies.”

For more information: Kathryn Maxwell, phone (04) 439 7464 or email kathryn.maxwell@mfe.govt.nz

back to top

back to top

Prepare now for climate variability

From the Chief Executive – Hugh Logan

Climate change has been a big issue for the Ministry for the Environment this year and awareness has been increasing in the wider community.  The Ministry’s view is that preparing for climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions need to become “business as usual” for all New Zealanders.

Greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere have now reached the point where climate change is likely to continue over the next 30 to 40 years, even if it were possible to stop all emissions today.  This highlights the need for us to prepare and adapt.

Planning for climate change is, or should be, a core issue for any future-focused thinking in the financial and social sectors, as well as for local government.  The potential impacts of climate change and the solutions will affect us all.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate change are fundamental to building a future for New Zealand as a sustainable, innovative and internationally competitive country.  

With an economy based on primary production and a settlement pattern dominated by coastal communities, New Zealand will be affected by climate variability.  We need to build resilience into our agricultural production systems and our major investments.

Investment in buildings and infrastructure is long term.  Much of the housing stock and infrastructure we will be using in 25 – even 50 – years time already exists or is being built now. It will be simpler and cheaper in the long run to modify design now and so reduce vulnerability in the future.

The Ministry for the Environment is responsible for coordinating a package of climate change work programmes across government.  These cover energy, transport, agriculture and forestry, as well as preparing for and adapting to climate change.

Over the coming months we will be talking to a range of stakeholder groups about the need for adaptation and developing partnerships with key groups such as local government, engineers and the insurance industry.

As part of engaging with the wider community, the Ministry was out on the road in late October and early November talking to people in 17 regional centres during our Talk Environment meetings.  Climate change – the need to prepare and eventually to adapt – was a key feature of our discussions.

If you were not able to take part in that event, I hope that at some stage we will have the chance to hear your views on New Zealand’s climate change policies and initiatives.

back to top

On the road – our chance to meet you

Public opinion is important to the Ministry for the Environment and from 27 October to 10 November we were on the road, visiting 17 regions to hear your views.

Almost 2,000 people from the general public, local government, industry and non-governmental organisations attended the Ministry’s annual ‘Talk Environment’ Roadshow.  They gave us their ideas on preserving water, reducing waste and adapting to climate change. We also had conversations about environmental reporting and national environment standards.

Hugh Logan, Chief Executive of the Ministry, spent two weeks on the road visiting communities all over New Zealand. “We value this interaction on the ground. It provides a forum to highlight national and local environmental issues and solutions and helps inform the Ministry’s programme of work,” Hugh says.

Participants formed focus groups to discuss problems and solutions for keeping water clean, preventing flooding, dealing with waste and preparing for the impacts of climate change.

These are key areas of the Ministry’s work, along with ensuring New Zealanders have credible environmental information and national standards so everyone has clean air, water and land.

Participants’ views will be used to inform the Ministry’s work. Over the next weeks your feedback will be put on our website and we will update this every few months to let you know what we are doing about what you have told us. Have a look on the web at www.mfe.govt.nz/withyou/talkenvironment/roadshow-2006

back to top

Christchurch Council wins performance excellence award

Christchurch City Council is celebrating its latest step towards achieving its goal of being a world-class organisation by 2008. The Council has done this by winning the local government category of the Performance Excellence Study Awards.

The Minister for the Environment, David Benson-Pope, along with the Minister of Local Government, Mark Burton, presented the Council with its award during a ceremony at the Beehive on 18 October.

David Benson-Pope said these awards also encourage excellence in RMA practice and highlighted the extra resources the Government has provided to improve the practical implementation of the RMA.

“A good example of this work is the targeted RMA assistance programme for councils. Seven councils have, or are, receiving targeted assistance to review their processes and then to determine the best ways to improve performance in RMA consent processing and other RMA practice,” he said.

The Performance Excellence Study Awards were launched in 1992 to encourage organisations to strive for performance excellence. Applicants’ performance is assessed in seven categories: leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, measurement/analysis and knowledge management, human resource focus, process management and business results.

Award assessors commented that Christchurch City Council had succeeded in embedding the values of performance excellence across the whole organisation. This was done through committed leadership from the Chief Executive, Lesley McTurk, and the senior management team, and by robust, commonsense strategic planning which led to real action.

More than 2,000 organisations, including almost 40 councils, have taken part in the awards since they began.

For more information: Amanda Moran, phone (04) 439 7563 or email amanda.moran@mfe.govt.nz

back to top

Minister launches RMA information package

Practical help is now at hand for everyone who gets involved in Resource Management Act (RMA) processes – whether it is through resource consent applications, making submissions or getting involved in RMA plans.

Environment Minister David Benson-Pope launched An Everyday guide to the RMA in September to provide small business and the general public with new, easily accessible information on the Act.

The information package consists of a CD-ROM, new web pages, a free 0800 phoneline and a set of 13 booklets.

Mr Benson-Pope says the resources provide a straightforward and thorough introduction to the RMA, why we have it, and how people can take part.

"People sometimes see the RMA as something of a hurdle to overcome when they want to make changes to their home or business", Mr Benson-Pope says. "This guide will help to demystify the process and remove a few misconceptions."

Minister for Small Business Lianne Dalziel is keen to see the material being rolled out to small and medium business.

“Many of our small businesses are a key source of innovation, which is an essential component of economic transformation,” she says. “We have an interest in ensuring that the information they need is accessible to them.” 

“By helping small business better understand and participate in RMA processes, we are promoting better outcomes for everyone involved.”

You can order free copies of the CD-ROM and the booklets by emailing publications@mfe.govt.nz. The material is also available from local and regional councils, Biz Information Centres, public libraries, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Community Law Centres and Environment Centres. The free phoneline is 0800 RMA INFO (0800 762 4636).

For more information: Viv Smith, phone (03) 365 9268 or email viv.smith@mfe.govt.nz or visit the new web pages www.rma.govt.nz.

back to top

Ministry celebrates 20th anniversary

On 1 December 2006 the Ministry will mark 20 years since its establishment.

The then Prime Minister, David Lange, officially launched the Ministry for the Environment on 1 December 1986.  It was the first of the new environmental agencies established as a result of the Labour Government’s restructuring initiatives during this time.

In its first annual report, the Ministry noted these changes gave New Zealand “one of the most sophisticated and efficient environmental administrative structures in the world”.

Much of the Ministry’s early work focused on the Resource Management Law Reform Programme which paved the way for the Resource Management Act (RMA). Passed in 1991, the RMA replaced more than 20 major statutes with a single comprehensive and integrated law to manage environmental effects of activities on land, air and water, including the coast.

From the early days, under Chief Executive Roger Blakely, the Ministry took an open and consultative approach to policy development. This approach continues today with stakeholder engagement on issues such as climate change, waste and water. Good governance of the environment requires the input, will and cooperation of many stakeholders and the Ministry is committed to working with others to achieve this.

An important aspect of environmental policy is encouraging voluntary initiatives to protect the environment and the Ministry has been proactive in acknowledging this. The Sustainable Management Fund is a good example. Established in 1995, this Fund has provided financial assistance to more than 350 community-based initiatives that promote sustainable management of the environment.

2005 was a landmark year for the Ministry. It moved from three different buildings in Boulcott Street to Environment House. The move helped the Ministry ‘walk the talk’ in the principles of sustainability. With energy efficient lighting, recycled furniture and a comprehensive in-house recycling system, the Ministry can now effectively manage and reduce its environmental impact.

The original vision of a “sophisticated efficient environmental administrative structure” is a reality in the work we do, the way we do it and where we do it.

Today, the Ministry continues working with communities, industry and local authorities to help achieve its mission – to “deliver the environment that New Zealanders expect and deserve”.

back to top

Have your say

Do you think environz could be improved? We are interested in finding out what readers think of environz and invite you to complete our reader survey. You can complete the survey online at www.mfe.govt.nz/survey/x06environz.htm. Surveys need to be completed by 15 December. The results of the survey will be published in the February 2007 issue of environz.

back to top

back to top

Packaging Accord succeeds in reducing waste

New Zealanders are recycling more of their packaging materials than ever before and more packaging is now recovered per capita than goes to landfill.

Of the 673,090 tonnes of packaging used last year, 349,640 tonnes has been recycled by business and through local councils’ recycling schemes rather than sent to landfill – more than half of the total packaging used. This good news is from the Packaging Accord’s report on its progress over the past two years.

“But it is tempered by the fact that we are also producing and consuming more packaging,” says Tony Nowell, chair of the Packaging Accord’s Governing Board.

“This makes our work towards a common goal of using less packaging and developing sustainable markets for new and recycled materials as relevant now as when we signed the Accord in 2004.”

The Packaging Accord is a five-year, voluntary agreement between the packaged goods industry, retailers, brand owners, recyclers and central and local government. The focus for the first two years has been on getting industry and sector groups on board and benchmarking the use and disposal of packaging materials

The Accord is proving that when working together, each party can achieve more than they could on their own.  It provides an invaluable framework for the packaging industry, recyclers, local and central government to work collaboratively towards Accord objectives.

At the release of the report last month, Environment Minister David Benson-Pope challenged the Accord parties to increase industry membership, continue to build on relationships to deliver results, to develop new markets for recycled material and to improve recovery rates.

Achievements over the past two years

• A Glass Packaging Forum has been established to fund research into alternative uses for recovered glass through the collection of a voluntary levy.
• The steel sector has re-branded to increase awareness of the recyclability of steel.
• The Environmental Beverage Action Group has developed event recycling guidelines and is undertaking recycling initiatives at large sporting and cultural events.
• Grocery and retail brand owners and retailers are using the EANnet electronic recording system to record the type and amount of packaging at the point of sale.  This system will greatly improve packaging data and New Zealand is the first country in the world to use it in this way.

Facts and figures

• Seventy-two percent of paper used in packaging is recovered, one of the highest recovery rates in the world.
• Recovery of plastics is up 12 percent, outpacing the six percent increase in consumption. Significant progress has been made with the collection of expanded polystyrene and farm plastics.
• Of the 673,090 tonnes of packaging used last year, 349,640 tonnes had been recycled rather than sent to landfill – overall 52 percent of total packaging used is recovered.

For more information: Maria Gracie, phone (04) 439 7433 or email maria.gracie@mfe.govt.nz or visit www.packagingaccord.org.nz

back to top

Butter wrapped clothes and carpets save on landfill

Used butter wrappings and old cheese and milk powder bags are being converted into garments and carpeting rather than being sent to landfill, thanks to the efforts of Fonterra Group Manufacturing and a factory in China.

This initiative is part of a New Zealand-wide drive by Fonterra to reduce the amount of waste it sends to landfill by 90 percent by June 2010. The company is on track to meet this goal as waste to landfill has been cut by 60 percent over the past two and a half years.

Fonterra has been working with waste contractors to improve its overall environmental practices.

“Our contractors are working with us to achieve four key objectives: reduce waste to landfill, maximise recyclables, maximise transport efficiency and provide us with bins and equipment which are compliant with health and safety regulations,” says Spring Humphreys, Fonterra’s Eco-Efficiency Manager.

One of the contractors, Envirowaste, located an overseas market for used plastics such as old cheese and milk powder bags and butter wrap. These by-products of the Fonterra manufacturing process are now shipped to China for use in the production of polypropylene products.  Improving the recyclability of packaging contributes to the objective of the Packaging Accord 2004, of which Fonterra is an active member.

Spring says this waste management initiative is one of several which form part of Fonterra’s drive to ensure best practice is maintained across all areas of operations. “We want to be a leader in the field of eco-efficiency,” he says.

The company’s eco-efficiency programme has already received a number of accolades and its know-how and experience is being sought after by other large New Zealand manufacturing companies interested in improving their own eco-efficiency practices. 

back to top

A clearer picture of air quality

Annual updates showing the amount of smoke and soot in different parts of New Zealand will now be available on the Ministry for the Environment’s website.

Visit www.mfe.govt.nz/airsheds to take a look at our interactive map and graphs showing levels of smoke and soot in several areas across the country.

Smoke and soot is technically called PM10. These are fine particles in the air that can affect human health. PM10 is common in urban areas and comes mainly from home heating, vehicles and some industrial processes.

Because of health implications, the Ministry introduced National Environmental Standards last year to improve air quality by 2013.

Where air needs to be made cleaner to meet these standards, councils are monitoring PM10 and taking tough action to reduce it.

For more information:
Paul Franklin, phone (04) 439 7549, or email paul.franklin@mfe.govt.nz

back to top

Delivering quality urban design – do we have the right skills?

The Ministry for the Environment’s urban team is developing a tailored work programme to support development of urban design skills and capacity.

It is undertaking this work in response to the Local Government Urban Design Skills Survey (commissioned by the Ministry) which provided a clear picture of the level and extent of urban design skills, experience and knowledge in local government.

About half of the councils surveyed indicated that urban design concepts and principles influenced their policies and were incorporated into their policy documents such as long-term council community plans.  

Ministry Advisor Sherilyn Gray says the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol calls for a significant step up in the quality of urban design in New Zealand, and a change in the way we think about our towns and cities.

“This new research will help us refine our capacity to build initiatives which better meet the needs of local government and other sectors,” she says.

“While there is evidence that councils consider and value urban design and often employ urban design consultants, there are few full-time specialists working in local government.”

“Clearly, we have a challenge, but I am confident that by showing the benefits of quality urban design, many more councils will begin to incorporate this into their planning,” Ms Gray says.

For more information: Sherilyn Gray, phone (04) 439 7651 or email sherilyn.gray@mfe.govt.nz

back to top

Pacific partners focus on waste, air quality and resource management

As part of a Trans-Pacific Environment Cooperation Agreement, officials from Chile, Singapore, Brunei and New Zealand met during September to discuss areas for cooperation on environmental matters.

The partners identified five environmental themes under which cooperative projects will be developed and environmental knowledge and expertise shared.  These themes are waste, environmental management and good practice, urban issues, energy, and environmental monitoring and reporting.

Two projects between Singapore and New Zealand were also agreed.  First, Singapore environment officials have completed a study tour of New Zealand to learn about our approach to packaging waste.  Second, New Zealand transport and environment officials will visit Singapore to look at transport management and vehicle emissions in particular.

This month, the Ministry for the Environment is hosting Chilean environmental consultants for a week in Wellington and Nelson.  The consultants are here to look at how New Zealand manages its natural resources.

Environment Minister David Benson-Pope says “incorporating environmental cooperation agreements in parallel with trade agreements is part of New Zealand’s broader sustainable development agenda.

“The Environment Cooperation Agreement seeks not only to improve environmental practices and the sustainable use of resources but also to increase the capacity of our partner countries to address environmental concerns.”

The Ministry will work with Brunei, Chile and Singapore counterparts over the next few months to develop other similar cooperative projects within the environmental themes identified.  Most of these projects will be planned for 2007.

For more information: Kerryn Lang, phone (04) 439 7642 or email kerryn.lang@mfe.govt.nz.
Caption:

back to top

Getting ready for climate change

An Inconvenient Truth, the documentary featuring Al Gore discussing climate change, is causing many New Zealanders to think more about the issue and how they can respond to it.

As well as taking responsibility for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change, we need to prepare for and adapt to the climate change impacts that will inevitably occur because of the emissions already produced. 

If we start preparing and adapting now, we will reduce the associated risks brought about by increasing temperatures, rising sea levels and extreme weather events (such as floods and droughts), and our communities will have greater resilience to cope with them.

Many councils are already incorporating a climate change perspective into areas such as flood management, water resources, building regulations and transport plans, and some farmers are looking at diversifying into new crops and stock types to suit a changing climate.

Government is building partnerships with local government, engineers, the insurance industry and the agriculture sector.  The Ministry’s climate change adaptation work programme will help fill any gaps in knowledge on climate change impacts, disseminate information and engage with decision-makers to raise awareness, encourage action and enhance the capacity to adapt.

"If we prepare for climate change we will reduce the risk and costs, and potentially benefit from the opportunities of a changing climate," says Ministry for the Environment Chief Executive Hugh Logan. "Adapting for climate change is commonsense risk-management practice that will assist our long-term sustainability."

“Most Kiwis expect a clean healthy environment – this doesn’t happen by accident. We’ve all got a role to play,” says Hugh.

For more information Roger Lincoln, phone (04) 439 7633 or email roger.lincoln@mfe.govt.nz or visit www.climatechange.govt.nz

back to top

Smelter slashes emissions to tackle climate change

The Ministry for the Environment is applauding the New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited (NZAS) for its contribution to tackling climate change.

The smelter produces around 350,000 tonnes of aluminium a year from its base near Invercargill and has slashed its greenhouse gas emissions by 41 percent since 1990, making huge savings in the process.

Project 200 –­ one of a number of the company’s energy efficiency improvement initiatives – is saving $2 million per annum at a cost of $450,000.

The Ministry initiated talks with NZAS in 2002, along with a number of other industrial emitters, in an effort to encourage energy efficiency and, subsequently, the reduction of emissions.

Philip Millichamp, the Ministry’s Senior Operator Climate Change Implementation, says NZAS showed commitment to tackling climate change from the outset.

“They’ve shown initiative right from the start and are now making considerable savings by being more energy efficient. It shows that environmental measures also make good business sense,” Philip says.

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters is owned by Comalco and Sumitomo Chemicals. Comalco’s managing director of smelting, Tom Campbell, admitted at an Australian conference recently that the industry had been called “a rapacious user of energy, which we are”.

Despite the environmental challenges inherent in the industry, Tom is keen to show leadership, and has introduced a raft of initiatives, including better technology, and bonuses for staff that meet energy efficient targets. An increased reduction in greenhouse gases has also been factored into the company’s performance incentive plan.

"We have a responsibility to show leadership. We are certainly a major emitter of greenhouse gases," says Tom.

“There has been a relentless drive on energy efficiency throughout the smelter’s operating history. Improvements have been driven by business imperatives and economics rather than a response to any taxes, greenhouse charges or levies.”

Philip says it is the attitudes of industrial emitters like NZAS that will help New Zealand meet its emissions reduction targets and reduce its impact on the environment.

“New Zealand Aluminium Smelters, like many of the other industrial emitters we work with, have a great attitude to tackling this highly complex issue. This positive, can-do attitude is central to the ethos of the Ministry’s Sustainable Industry Group. By taking a positive approach, and by sharing tools and knowledge, we can really make a difference together,” he says.

The Ministry for the Environment will be engaging further with industrial emitters and other stakeholders from the sector on policy options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand. For more information about stakeholder engagement, please visit www.climatechange.govt.nz.

For more information:
Philip Millichamp, phone (04) 439 7619 or email philip.millichamp@mfe.govt.nz

back to top

Have your say on climate change

Stand by for consultation on key elements of the Government’s climate change policy over the coming months as a group of key strategy documents are released.

These documents include the draft New Zealand Energy Strategy (NZES), the revised National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (NEECS) and others on sustainable land use.

These are all in addition to the work the Ministry for the Environment is leading with local government, engineers and others on adapting to the impacts of climate change.

While the Ministries of Economic Development and of Agriculture and Forestry will be leading stakeholder communications around their respective documents, and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority will invite written public submissions on the draft replacement NEECS, all these  documents form part of the Government’s overall response to climate change. 

Dairne Poole, the Ministry for the Environment’s stakeholder engagement advisor, says a coordinated approach is being taken to consultation around these documents.

“There are a number of common themes across these policy areas and many common stakeholders. It’s important that links back to the overall policy approach aren’t lost when getting down to the detail on a policy by policy basis,” she says. 

Consultation with key players in each sector is being planned and officials will travel around the country to meet with councils, Māori, NGOs and local people.

“The next few months are going to be busy. But it’s important that we get out there and get people’s input into this important policy area,” says Ms Poole.

For more information: Dairne Poole, phone (04) 439 7481 or email dairne.poole@mfe.govt.nz

back to top

Fireworks regulations under scrutiny

Every November dangerous use of fireworks around New Zealand mean emergency services are called out to firework-related fires and damage.  Rising public concern this year and a call by the Fire Service and Police for a ban of fireworks sales to the public has brought the issue to the immediate attention of the Government.

Following a particularly bad year in 2005 of fireworks-related incidents, the Minister for the Environment David Benson-Pope asked the Ministry for the Environment to coordinate a national safety campaign this year with the New Zealand Police, New Zealand Fire Service, and the Environment Risk Management Authority New Zealand. This resulted in national media coverage in newspapers, radio and television.

The Minister directly enhanced this campaign by reminding importers and retailers of fireworks of their responsibilities to abide by the rules around fireworks sales. He also asked retailers to question young people who were trying to buy large quantities of sparklers because they may be intending to use them to make a sparkler ‘bomb’.

The Government is now considering a range of possible changes to the regulations of fireworks sales to the public with the aim of preventing the misuse of fireworks in the future.

For more information: Russell Harding phone (04) 439 7658 or email russell.harding@mfe.govt.nz

back to top

Tonnes of support for recycling day

Wellingtonians came out in force for New Zealand’s first free computer recycling event, dropping off 50 tonnes of computers, monitors and accessories at the city’s Westpac Stadium.

By comparison, Dell Computer’s two previous recycling events held in Sydney recovered just 20 tonnes of old technology.

The event was held in conjunction with the Ministry for the Environment and Computer Access New Zealand Trust.  More than 51 tonnes, or 4,500 pieces of used equipment, were recovered.

Consumers were given the chance to dispose of any brand of computer, monitor or accessory for environmentally responsible recycling.

Equipment made of copper wire, circuit boards, unleaded glass, steel and other metals are disassembled and the components recycled, with 97 percent of these materials diverted from landfill.

Dell’s initiative is an example of product stewardship, one of the Ministry’s major work programmes to deal with waste. It is based on producers, brand owners, importers, retailers, consumers and other parties accepting responsibility for the environmental effects of their products – from the time they are produced until they are disposed of.

The Ministry has produced a series of fact sheets about the safe environmental disposal of four common household electronic products: computer equipment, batteries, mobile phones, and light bulbs. The computer fact sheet is available at www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/waste/use-disposal-computer-equipment-oct06/

For more information: Helen Bolton, phone (04) 439 7728 or email helen.bolton@mfe.govt.nz

back to top

back to top

Consultation – what’s coming up

The wider community will be asked to provide input into the following consultations on environmental issues over the next few months. The plans and dates are intended as a guide only and may be subject to change.

Topic	Approximate date	Input	Contact
Proposed National Environmental Standards for Telecommunications Facilities	TBA	Submissions sought	Rosalind Groves, phone (04) 439 7722 or email: rosalind.groves@mfe.govt.nz
Proposed National Environmental Standards for Transmission	TBA	Submissions sought	Glenn Wigley, phone (04) 439 7515 or email: glenn.wigley@mfe.govt.nz
Climate Change Policy	November 2006 – March 2007	See www.climatechange.govt.nz	Phil Gurnsey, Climate Change Policy Manager, phone (04) 439 7660 or email: phil.gurnsey@mfe.govt.nz

back to top

---

Site accessibility

Feedback or questions?
Email information@mfe.govt.nz

Legal statements