A context
The Statement of Intent
The context for our Statement of Intent is set by the outcomes desired by the Government, the state of New Zealand's society, economy and environment, and the pressures upon them.
The Government's Sustainable Development for New Zealand Programme of Action, announced in 2003, sets the scene for our work over the next three years. 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.
Both policy statements recognise the central importance of the environment to the future economic and social wellbeing of New Zealand.
Strategic context
Key government goals to guide the public sector in achieving sustainable development [Ibid]
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 Maori 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 goals
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
- strengthen national identity and uphold the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
The Ministry will contribute to achieving these government goals through the way that we carry out our work and the results that we deliver for government.
The setting in which we operate
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.
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 the wider setting within which it works and the tensions that can exist between different aspects of New Zealand life. 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 close association with the environment; the environment is where we work, play and live. A high quality environment has an intrinsic value and is central to New Zealand's prosperity. 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 and the film industry, for which the environment is a major attraction.
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 is leading sustainable development practices through cleaner production, environmental reporting, sustainable production, ethical investing, voluntary agreements, and so on. Industry has come a long way, however it needs to continue to work together, plan and operate more sustainably. Central government can help encourage and facilitate a focus on sustainable development in New Zealand business.
Cultural
The centrality of the environment to our cultural identity and, in particular, the relationship of Maori 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.
The increasing diversity of New Zealand as a multi-cultural nation gives rise to a greater awareness of cultural heritage. Cultural interests are important across the spectrum, from the built environment through to icon issues like Lake Taupo.
Social
Achieving sustainable development requires looking after people. Our changing population is particularly important when thinking about sustainable development. Aspects of our society that affect our environment include:
- demographic growth, and the changing demographic profile, which creates pressures including rapid growth in Auckland and decline in other areas that then find it hard to maintain water supply, sewerage and other essential services
- immigration, and the different values and expectations that immigrants bring
- tourism - visitors generally expect a 'clean green' country but themselves contribute to environmental impacts and often visit areas with a low population base that struggle to maintain essential services.
Technological
Changes in technology also affect our environment including:
- industry impacts, with changes in land use, emissions, infrastructure requirements and the waste generated
- consumer impacts, for example, energy use, transport and waste
- new chemicals, which can often be less hazardous to the environment than earlier substances developed for a particular purpose, and new organisms, including genetically modified 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 many issues that cut across the interests of regional government. We have issues that affect the interests of central government including Transport, Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry, Economic Development and Conservation. 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. Our focus on developing strong relationships and partnerships will help us in managing the issues that cut across someone else's business.
