Appendix 2: Criteria for Selecting Environmental Indicators

The core set of national environmental indicators has 22 indicators of environmental well-being. To report on these indicators, 66 specific aspects of the environment will be regularly measured.

The criteria used to select the environmental indicators are set out in table A2 below. To be adopted, an indicator must meet at least the first five criteria as a minimum:

Table A2: Criteria for selecting the national environmental indicators

Criteria	Explanation
Nationally significant	There is broad agreement in New Zealand society that the environmental well-being that is measured has national priority. The indicator reflects progress towards environmental outcomes at a national level, and is not confined to particular geographical locations. The indicator contributes to reporting across a breadth of priority national environmental outcomes.
Relevant	The indicator provides information to a level appropriate for making decisions on national policies, strategies and legislation. The indicator provides representative information on the environmental well-being that is measured.
Measurable and statistically sound	The indicator can be measured regularly and consistently over time to enable accurate reporting of trends. The indicator is derived from high-quality data, and is statistically and methodologically sound. Where possible, the indicator can be disaggregated to show a finer breakdown of information.
Simple and easily understood	The indicator is readily understood by a broad audience. The indicator is easy to interpret, so that change clearly represents an improvement or deterioration in what is measured.
Cost-effective	Where possible, the indicator uses existing data and information. Collecting data on the indicator does not incur unreasonable costs.
Internationally comparable	Where possible, the indicator is consistent with international indicators to enable comparison of New Zealand results against international benchmarks.

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