Introduction from the Chief Executive
This Statement of Intent 2009–12 sets out how the Ministry for the Environment will take action on Government priorities and strengthen its capability and performance.
The Minister for the Environment has identified eight priorities that will provide the primary focus for our work programmes over the next three years. These priorities are significant elements of work within the ongoing work programmes for which the Ministry has responsibility.
As part of responding to these priorities, we will be providing advice on the realignment of roles and functions in the environment sector, in particular the establishment of an Environment Protection Authority and improvements to New Zealand’s environmental reporting. The realignment is expected to result in further changes for the Ministry over the next three years. The restructuring of the Ministry in early 2009 was planned with these further changes in mind.
The Statement of Intent also signals a refreshed direction for the Ministry, which will help us to meet the expectations of the Government and deliver on our recently defined mission of ‘environmental stewardship for a prosperous New Zealand’.
The Ministry’s strategic direction, focusing on both ‘environmental stewardship’ and ‘a prosperous New Zealand’, is deliberate – our work must contribute to people’s quality of life and well-being while maintaining environmental values.
Internally, there is a strong emphasis on strengthening our capability and improving our performance. The Strategies for Change developed in 2008 continue to provide the impetus for changes that will enable the Ministry to cope with, and thrive on, increasing demands and expectations.
A period of significant change and reorganisation in early 2009 – not completed at the time of preparing this document – will put in place the foundations for continuing development of our leadership capability, people, business systems and relationships with others.
Chief Executive Statement of Responsibility
In signing this statement, I acknowledge that I am responsible for the information contained in the Statement of Intent for the Ministry for the Environment. This information has been prepared in accordance with the Public Finance Act 1989. It is also consistent with the proposed appropriations set out in the Appropriations (2009/10 Estimates) Bill, as presented to the House of Representatives in accordance with section 13 of the Public Finance Act 1989, and with existing appropriations and financial authorities.
Paul Reynolds
Chief Executive
Rochelle Davis
Chief Financial Officer
