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What you can do

These pages link to information from the Ministry and other organisations that can help you take action for the environment in your business, home and community.

Community action

Government agencies

A number of government agencies have specific responsibilities for some environmental issues. Find out more about these agencies, what they do, and how they may be able to help you: Other government agencies with environmental interests.

There are also other government websites with information and resources that may help you.

Local government

Local government has the day to day responsibility for environmental management. Many of the Ministry's policies and programmes rely on local government to implement them. We work with Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and directly with councils to build our relationship with regional councils and territorial authorities.

You can link up to local government in your region by checking the list of local and regional councils for website addresses and phone numbers.

International organisations

For an international context on environmental issues and sustainable development, you can look at the international websites on environmental issues.

Environment centres

Many regions in New Zealand have environment centres. They facilitate, motivate and inform existing and new groups within the community to take action for the environment, provide environmental information and education services for the community, and act as a focus and meeting place for community action.

Look in your local phone directory for information on your nearest environment centre.

Sustainable households

Sustainable Households is a national community education programme that raises awareness of sustainability issues and gives advice on sustainable practice in the home. The programme is based on topics such as waste reduction, efficient energy use, building and renovating, travel alternatives and shopping.

Other websites

To find out about other New Zealand environmental organisations, visit the Green Pages website.

Sustainable Industry

The Ministry wants to help industry compete and grow sustainably, through sustainable production, environmental reporting, ethical investing and voluntary agreements. Visit the sustainable industry webpages for more information.

Small steps, big wins. It's easy to make a difference. Step towards a sustainable future with Simply Sustainable.

Schools

Enviroschools

The Enviroschools programme fosters a 'whole school' approach to environmental education. It supports the creation of sustainable schools through the facilitated Enviroschools Programme and the Enviroschools Awards Scheme. The programme is available nationwide.

Sir Peter Blake Trust

The Sir Peter Blake Trust aims to help New Zealanders make a positive difference for the planet through activities that encourage environmental awareness and action, and leadership development. It coordinates a range of activities including educational initiatives such as the Sir Peter Blake Environmental Educator Award and the selection of Sir Peter Blake Ambassadors for the United Nations Environment Programme Children's World Summit.

The Trust partners with the Ministry for the Environment on the Sir Peter Blake Trust Youth Environment Forum.

Environmental education resources for teachers

How we can help you

The Ministry manages a variety of funds to help community, business, iwi and local government with their environmental projects. See which ones are suitable for your group by clicking on the link for descriptions of the Ministry funds, including funding criteria and timelines.

Last updated: 27 August 2009