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Working in partnership with others

The Ministry for the Environment works in partnership with other agencies to locate, use and share environmental information, for example, regional and territorial councils, crown research institutes, cross-government agencies.

Sharing information

Partnership agreements with local government

The joint partnership agreements between the Ministry and local government are essential for national environmental reporting. The Ministry and all 16 regional councils have signed the Environmental Information Sharing Protocol whereby the Ministry and councils agree to share environmental data. The Protocol is supported by detailed schedules outlining for each environmental indicator the information to be collected (the council's role) and how it will be reported (the Ministry's role).

Regional monitoring forums

A number of regions have their own environmental information forums, providing a platform for local government agencies to share information. These initiatives seek to improve access to environmental information while ensuring better integration of resources.

Environmental Metadata Framework

In national environmental reporting and policy development, environmental information is critical. Geospatial metadata incorporates the additional element of where (ie. location) and therefore needs many more descriptors to adequately assess the usability and quality of datasets. At present environmental monitoring is carried out by a number of agencies across the country using a range of methods. Metadata standards will result in consistent methodology and improved quality of the monitoring information gathered.

The Environmental Metadata Framework is tailored to the needs of those with environmental and geospatial interests within New Zealand. It has been designed to fit with the e-government initiatives and other whole-of-government processes. Following on from this work, Land and Information New Zealand is now leading the development of a geospatial metadata standard.

Working with hapu and iwi

The Ministry for the Environment works with hapu and iwi to develop tools that support reporting of Māori environmental values and promote Māori involvement in environmental monitoring and reporting.

The Kaimoana Survey Guidelines for Hapu and Iwi provide hapu and iwi with information and a suggested process for undertaking a survey of kaimoana (seafood) resources.

The Cultural Health Index for Streams and Waterways provides Māori with a tool to assess and manage waterways in their area.