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Environment New Zealand 2007 - Independent Review Questions and Answers

  1. Why did the Ministry undertake the review?
    With nearly 10,000 copies of the report or its summary in distribution, and 215,000 hits on the report web-pages, there have been very high levels of public interest in the Environment New Zealand 2007 report.  The Ministry commissioned a review to ensure our readers’ needs have been met by the publication. This is particularly important as the Ministry will be producing similar national-scale state of the environment reports every five years.

  2. How did the Ministry undertake the review?
    The review was conducted by an independent research company, Peter Glen Research. Its aim was to obtain stakeholder feedback on the readability, content and overall usefulness of the report.  The review consisted of an online survey and two focus group discussions with key stakeholders.  The review was conducted in May 2008, and a report on the review’s findings was provided to the Ministry in July 2008.

  3. How were the participants in the online survey and focus group discussions chosen?
    An invitation to participate in the online survey was randomly sent to around 1,000 people who had received a copy of the report.  A total of 254 stakeholders (or 25 per cent) responded to the survey.  Respondents to the survey comprised a mix of various sectors, with the general public representing the biggest group, followed by local government and industry/business groups.
    The focus group discussions consisted of representatives of key stakeholders from central and local government agencies, Crown Research Institutes, Non-governmental organisations and other agencies with an interest in environmental reporting. Focus group invitees who were not able to attend the discussions were also invited to participate through the online survey.

  4. What are the key findings of the review?
  Online survey Focus Group discussions
Positives
  • presentational elements of the report were very well received with graphics and pictures rated “Very Good” or “Excellent” by 64 per cent of respondents
  • 66 per cent of respondents found the information in the report adequate for their needs
  • the ‘At a glance’ section was the most read section of the report
  • 11 out of the 12 chapters were rated ‘Very useful’ or ‘Quite useful’ by more than 75 per cent of respondents who used these chapters
  • presentational elements of the report were considered to be clearly produced and having a user-friendly layout
  • the concept of using environmental indicators to report the state of the environment was well received
  • the ‘At a glance’ section was considered a “good concept”
  • trend data was useful and considered better than those provided in the 1997 report
  • overall the report provided “a good snapshot in time at a national level”
Suggested areas for improvement relating to the 2012 report
  • provide more interpretation/ recommendations on the state of the environment, including information on where it is heading, and actions that should be taken/potential solutions
  • include new/more information on specific topics
  • reduce the size of the report
  • include regional indicators and data
  • develop a web-based/online report that can be regularly updated
  • ensure more up-to-date data is used in the report
  • improve the colour contrast on graphs and charts
  • include a comparative analysis with other countries
  • ensure integration with other central government reports
  • prepare regular updates of key indicator data (at least 12-monthly)
  • provide online access to the data or ability to analyse the data that the report is based on
  • include environmental indicators at regional level
  • place more emphasis on trends in the future
  • cross-reference data/findings more
  • update full report at least 5-yearly instead of 10-yearly
  • focus on practical outcomes so the report doesn’t get lost following its publication
  • provide more specific information on various topics
Major issues raised  
  • review which agency undertakes the report in future
  • revisit the list of environmental indicators
  • pay greater attention to ensuring that the base data is robust, transparent and is captured by consistent methods
  • facts should be separated from the policy

 

  1. How does the Ministry plan to respond to the review key findings ?
    The Ministry for the Environment will consider the findings of the review as it continues to develop its national-scale environmental reporting programme.  In particular, the review will inform the Ministry’s work to finalise an environmental reporting framework which documents the strategic direction and scope of the Ministry’s environmental reporting work programme and records the key principles that underpin it. 

    The review will also help the Ministry to develop a ‘blueprint’ for the 2012 state of the environment report.  This is a more detailed document which outlines a recommended approach to the development of the third (2012) national-scale state of the environment report. 

    Thirdly, the review will also help shape regular updates of the national environmental indicators used in Environment New Zealand 2007.