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Our role in leading environmental sustainability
The environment affects everyone in New Zealand in some way. It supports our economy based on natural resources, the health of our people and our quality of life. At the same time, the health of the environment is affected by the way every New Zealander behaves.
Environmental sustainability supporting a prosperous New Zealand is the focus of the Ministry for the Environment.
The Ministry is a government department established under the Environment Act 1986. It is the Government's primary adviser on the New Zealand environment and international matters that affect the environment.
The Ministry for the Environment is the leader on environmental sustainability across both central and local government. We work in partnership with key sectors, organisations and communities to improve the New Zealand environment and encourage sustainable practices.
Our leadership role recognises that the Ministry for the Environment is not the only government agency involved in environmental action. Others such as the Department of Conservation, and the Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry, Fisheries, Economic Development, and Transport all have a direct influence on New Zealand's environment and natural resources.
Two Crown agencies, the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority have a major role in implementing environmental policy. The Ministry for the Environment oversees their work.
Day to day management of the natural and built environment is largely the responsibility of local government. The Ministry for the Environment provides national direction and guidance, as well as working with local government on implementation of environmental policies.
