OECD Environmental Performance Review of NZ
September 2005
This information sheet (updated September 2005) outlines the nature and process of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) 2005/06 review of New Zealand’s environmental performance. The Ministry for the Environment is the lead agency working with the OECD on the review. Other agencies involved in the review are the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Treasury and the Department of Conservation.
What is an Environmental Performance Review?
The review is not unlike getting an international report card. It’s designed to help OECD member countries to improve their individual and collective performances in environmental management with the goal of achieving sustainable development. The review evaluates progress on actions taken to date and results achieved. These results are assessed against the country’s - in this case New Zealand’s - own stated intentions, international commitments and the aims of the OECD’s environmental programme.
What is the focus of the review, and why New Zealand?
The OECD has been undertaking environmental reviews of its member countries since 1992. The first cycle of reviews was completed in 2000, with New Zealand getting its first review in 1995/96. The OECD has now begun the second cycle of reviews aimed at promoting sustainable development. The emphasis of the review is on implementation of domestic and international environmental policy, as well as on the integration of economic, social and environmental decision making.
What is the process?
The reviews are undertaken by a team of specialists from member countries and the OECD Secretariat, known as the Review Team. The OECD selected a number of particular areas they wanted to focus the review on. These are: water and waste management; biodiversity; sustainable development; agriculture and forestry; and, international cooperation and commitments.
There are four key phases of the review:
- Information gathering (Nov 2004 - April 2005)
Where the Ministry along with other government departments provides background documentation and information to the OECD to help inform the review - The Mission (7 - 15 June 2005)
Where the OECD Review Team visits New Zealand in order to meet face-to-face with officials, NGO and industry representatives and others, and to visit particular parts of New Zealand - Examination (July 2005 - September 2006)
Where the OECD produces a draft report and a meeting of member countries deliberates on its findings - Final report (2007)
Where the final report is published and presented formally to New Zealand and made publicly available.
As part of the visit to New Zealand in June, the Review Team went to Wellington, Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury.
What will it mean for New Zealand?
The review provides a great opportunity for New Zealand to take stock of our environmental performance while the results will also allow us to check how we measure up against the rest of the world in some areas of environmental management. The conclusions in the OECD’s final published report will focus on recognising significant results that have been achieved by New Zealand.
The report will also make recommendations suggesting areas where there could be ‘room for improvement’ in New Zealand’s environmental protection and management practice.
How those outside of government were involved in the process
The OECD review is not just about the government’s environmental performance - it is about New Zealand’s performance. Everyone has a part to play in managing our environment.
The OECD wanted balanced information that recognised where there has been progress and New Zealand is doing well, as well as identifying any issues where there is room for improvement and providing explanations and context as appropriate. The OECD Review Team sought involvement in the process from environmental organisations, industry, iwi and community along with local and central government.
During the Mission phase they had sessions with environmental NGOs, industry and trade union representatives and other independent experts.
For more information on the review, please email oecd@mfe.govt.nz.
