Chapter Two: A context
The Statement of Intent
The context for the Statement of Intent is set for the Ministry by the outcomes sought by the Government, the state of New Zealand’s society, economy and environment and the future pressures upon them.
The overarching element of Government policy that sets the scene for our work over the next three years is the Sustainable Development for New Zealand – Programme of Action. Sustainable development is
“development which meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.[Sustainable Development for New Zealand – Programme of Action, 2003.]
The Growth and Innovation Framework is also important, as it is designed to grow the economy through maximising New Zealand’s natural competitive advantages. Each of these major policies recognises the central importance of the environment to the future economic and social wellbeing of New Zealand.
We do not pretend that this Statement of Intent prescribes what we will do over the next three years. Instead, it concentrates on the great changes we face over the next year and on ‘cutting our cloth’ to a deliverable and useful package.
Strategic context
Key government goals to guide the public sector in achieving sustainable development [Sustainable Development for New Zealand – Programme of Action, 2003.]
Strengthen national identity and uphold the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
Celebrate our identity in the world as people who support and defend freedom and fairness, who enjoy arts, music, movement and sport, and who value our diverse cultural heritage; and resolve at all times to endeavour to uphold the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Grow an inclusive, innovative economy for the benefit of all
Develop an economy that adapts to change, provides opportunities and increases employment, and, while reducing inequalities, increases incomes for all New Zealanders. Focus on the Growth and Innovation Framework to improve productivity and sustainable economic growth.
Maintain trust in government and provide strong social services
Maintain trust in government by working in partnerships with communities, providing strong social services for all, building safe communities and promoting community development, keeping faith with the electorate, working constructively in Parliament and promoting a strong and effective public service.
Improve New Zealanders’ skills
Foster education and training to enhance and improve the nation’s skills so that all New Zealanders have the best possible future in a changing world. Build on the strengthened industry training and tertiary sectors to ensure that New Zealanders are among the best-educated and most skilled people in the world.
Reduce inequalities in health, education, employment and housing
Reduce the inequalities that currently divide our society and offer a good future for all by better co-ordination of strategies across sectors and by supporting and strengthening the capacity of Māori and Pacific Island communities. Ensure that all groups in society are able to participate fully and to enjoy the benefits of improved production.
Protect and enhance the environment
Treasure and nurture our environment with protection for ecosystems so that New Zealand maintains a clean, green environment and builds on our reputation as a world leader in environmental issues. Focus on biodiversity and biosecurity strategies.
Contribution to government outcomes
The three key government goals that most relate to the Ministry for the Environment are to:
- protect and enhance the environment
- grow an inclusive, innovative economy for the benefit of all, and
- strengthen national identity and uphold the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Our operations
The environment is affected by and affects many things that collectively make up life in New Zealand. In carrying out its responsibilities, and in working with others, the Ministry needs to be constantly aware of a number of key issues and the tensions that can exist between them. These include:
Environment
The environment in New Zealand is one of the country’s defining features and is recognised internationally. Most New Zealanders have a very close association with the environment either through their recreation or their work. A high-quality environment is central to New Zealand’s prosperity and has an intrinsic value. Despite the value placed on the environment by most New Zealanders, we still need to address the cumulative impact on the environment of many small decisions or non-decisions made by individuals and organisations.
Environmental issues are not only important to the growth of the economy but also demand the capacity for flexibility as new issues arise. Recent examples include genetic engineering, climate change, energy efficiency and transport policies.
Economy
The environment is important to the New Zealand economy, which:
- is based largely on primary production
- recognises the increasing value of tourism.
Given New Zealand’s traditional reliance on its natural resource base, it will be a challenge to facilitate an acceleration of growth while protecting ecosystems and preserving opportunities for future generations. Even without resource intensive production, an expanding economy will require resources for leisure and to support the necessary infrastructure.
Industry itself has become a major player in the environment through cleaner production, environmental reporting, sustainable production, ethical investing, voluntary agreements, etc.
Cultural
The centrality of the environment to our cultural identity and, in particular, the relationship of Māori as tangata whenua to the environment, increases the importance and complexity of environmental governance and management. These cultural values are embedded in legislation and the Treaty of Waitangi as a key part of our constitutional framework and, therefore, need to be respected and recognised in decisions that affect the environment.
This is reflected in working within the Resource Management Act to enable development and economic growth in a manner and form that recognises and respects the environmental interests of iwi. Cultural interests are important across the spectrum, from the built environment through to icon issues like Lake Taupo.
Political
People have become increasingly aware of the interrelationship between the environment, the economy, and the social and cultural identity and wellbeing of New Zealand. Recognition and acceptance of this is reflected in widespread support in the community for the concept and principles of sustainable development. This is seen as a commonsense and practical way forward for New Zealand that will build on its competitive and commercial strengths while maintaining the environment for future generations to use and enjoy.
Social
Aspects of our society that affect our environment include:
- demographic growth, and the changing demographic profile
- immigration and the different values that immigrants bring
- tourism.
Technological
Changes in technology also affect our environment including:
- industry impacts
- consumer impacts
- new chemicals and new organisms.
Security
There are also threats to the environment and economy from ongoing biosecurity issues, primarily resulting from increased international trade.
Relationships
Most of the things the Ministry becomes involved in cut across someone else’s business. We have perhaps 20 current issues that cut across the interests of regional government. We have issues that cut across the interests of Transport, Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry, Economic Development, Conservation, etc. There are issues that cut across iwi interests, and issues that cut across communities. It is a challenge for us to manage these, at least in sympathy with each other. Each issue can be seen as the ‘weather’ in developing the overall ‘climate’ of a good environment through good governance.
