Figure 1: Ministry for the Environment outcomes framework

Our mission

Environmental stewardship for a prosperous New Zealand

Long-term outcomes

• New Zealand becomes a successful low-carbon society that is resilient to climate change impacts on its climate, economy and lifestyle
• New Zealand's fresh water is well governed and sustainably managed to realise the maximum benefit possible for present and future environmental, cultural, social and economic values
• New Zealand's environmental management systems are strengthened and supported so that they can achieve the greatest overall environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits

Impact the Ministry is seeking to achieve

• Decrease New Zealand's net emissions of greenhouse gases below business as usual levels in a cost-effective way
• Improve quality, flow and availability of fresh water through more effective management frameworks
• Improve the resource management framework to manage environmental effects and allocate resources within environmental limits
• Improve the relationship between the Ministry and Māori by negotiating and implementing fair, durable and fit for purpose deeds of settlement and environmental accords
• Reduce harm from natural, chemical and biological hazards and from waste through more effective management frameworks
• Achieve better solutions to environmental problems by supporting community involvement and action and international cooperation

Focus of work programme

Climate change

• Domestic climate change programme
• International climate change programme
• Land use and carbon analysis system

Improving resource management

• Water management policy advice
• Marine environment policy advice
• Resource management policy advice
• Resource management implementation
• Developing and implementing Treaty settlements and environmental accords

Mitigating environmental hazards and waste

• Environmental hazards and waste policy advice
• Waste management and minimisation
• Waste minimisation administration

Environmental management obligations and programmes

• Domestic obligations and programmes
• International obligations and institutions

Strategic approaches

• Define, design and deliver tools and institutions which increase economic incentives to change behaviour
• Produce, use and publish credible evidence and feed evaluation information into what we do
• Work more closely with Māori to develop deeper relationships and understandings, using new policies and processes
• Foster enduring relationships with stakeholders who lead and are trusted by their constituents

Behaviours

• Analyse
• Engage
• Learn
• Validate
• Collaborate