Publication Search
Search below then narrow your results using the options on the left.
-
July 2020This document provides a summary of the feedback received on how New Zealand’s chemical management system could be improved to better protect people and the environment. Read more -
August 2019The Government is proposing how New Zealand’s chemical management system can be improved to ensure greater protection for people and the environment. This discussion document outlines our proposals and ask questions for your feedback. Read more -
April 2019This report provides a national inventory of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran emissions to air, land and water from known sources for 2016. Read more -
November 2018This report provides a national inventory of olychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran emissions to air, land and water from known sources for 2012, together with estimates of the amount of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran present within reservoir sources. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran Read more -
September 2016This consultation document sought feedback on proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health. Read more -
April 2016This consultation document sets out the Government’s proposal to streamline the regulatory regime for pest control. Read more -
April 2016This business case provides analysis of the regulatory regime for 1080 operational use. Read more -
December 2014The Ministry for the Environment commissioned Graham Environmental Consulting Limited to investigate New Zealand imports and exports of asbestos-containing products, and how important these products are to New Zealand businesses. This report presents the findings of that investigation. Read more -
October 2013The Ministry for the Environment commissioned ENVIRON Australia Pty Ltd, to investigate the practicalities of identifying, sorting and segregating plastics in the e-waste recycling industry, according to those components that contain banned brominated flame retardant (BFR) chemicals. Read more -
October 2013The Ministry for the Environment commissioned ACIL Allen Consulting to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of sorting options for e-waste plastics being recycled in New Zealand that potentially contain brominated flame retardants. Read more -
December 2012The Ministry commissioned this pilot study to identify if plastics in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE, or e-waste) contained brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Read more -
June 2012This report examines whether the scale of compliance costs arising from New Zealand’s hazardous substances regime was comparable with compliance costs imposed on users of chemicals in overseas jurisdictions. Read more -
June 2012This report identifies the key factors that influence businesses' decisions to innovate using new organisms in New Zealand. The aim of the project was to determine whether regulation for managing risks is an important determinant in such decisions. Read more -
May 2012A report by the Department of Labour containing the results of an investigation into possible occupational health and safety issues on the Mapua remediation site. Read more -
February 2012This independent report surveys literature on the regulation of chemical and biological risks in Australia, Canada, China, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Read more -
February 2012The literature review examines published analysis on six emerging technologies: biotechnology, nanotechnology, chemistry, information and communications technology, waste management, and clean energy. Read more -
February 2012The report examines how a number of relatively new technologies might impact on New Zealand’s economy. It applies scenario and quantitative modelling to four technologies, assessing their possible impacts on New Zealand’s economy, public health, and environment. Read more -
October 2011A history of the Fruitgrowers’ Chemical Company (FCC) at Mapua and the clean up of the site. Read more -
June 2011This technical report outlines a risk-based methodology for deriving soil contaminant concentrations protective of human health. Read more -
June 2011This document presents recommendations for toxicological intake values for 12 priority contaminants in soil. Read more -
May 2011This report provides a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health. Read more -
February 2011This report provides a national inventory of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans emission to air, land and water from known sources for 2008. Read more -
September 2010This study reports on the use, recycling and disposal to landfill in New Zealand of articles containing brominated diphenyl ether (BDE) flame retardants. Read more -
April 2010This document provides information on the the outcome of the test certifier regime review and anticipated next steps to address some of the issues identified. Read more -
June 2009This report presents the results of an audit of the remediation of the former Fruitgrowers Chemical Company site at Mapua. Read more -
April 2009This study investigates the value case for Green Star 4-, 5- and 6-star rated government office tenancy fit-outs. It will help central government organisations reduce their impacts on the environment, economy and society when fitting out their offices. Read more -
April 2008The Ministry for the Environment's emission inventory report under the Carbon Neutral Public Service programme for the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007. The programme was discontinued in March 2009. Read more -
March 2008This report estimates the extent of dioxin contamination at sawmill sites in New Zealand where pentachlorophenol (known as PCP) was used as a timber treatment in sprays or dips until its withdrawal in 1988. Read more -
September 2007This paper sets out a prioritised Ministry work programme to help manage contaminated land. Read more -
September 2007This report contains a summary of the submissions received on the discussion paper Working Towards a Comprehensive Policy Framework for Managing Contaminated Land in New Zealand – Discussion paper. Read more -
November 2006This 2006 discussion paper draws together the measures that make up New Zealand’s contaminated land policy framework, and evaluates them to identify any gaps and possible solutions/improvements to the existing framework. Read more -
February 2006Between 2003 and 2006 the Ministry and 13 regional councils worked together to collect agricultural chemicals, mainly from rural properties. This report provides an estimate of the amount of intractable agrichemicals remaining on New Zealand farms following the completion of the programme. Read more -
February 2006The Value Case for Sustainable Building in New Zealand provides information that can be used to demonstrate the business case for sustainable buildings to key decision-makers. It contains case studies, overseas trends, and potential drivers for sustainable building in the future. Read more -
April 2004This 2004 discussion document invited submissions on key issues likely to be covered by a HSNO amendment Bill. Read more -
April 2004This report estimates dioxin emissions from New Zealand foundry operations that melt and process scrap metals and alloys. Volume one is the emissions estimate report. Read more -
April 2004This report estimates dioxin emissions from New Zealand foundry operations that melt and process scrap metals and alloys. Volume two comprises scientific test data. Read more -
April 2004This 2004 discussion document invited submissions on key issues likely to be covered by a HSNO amendment Bill. Read more -
November 2003The Agrichemical Trespass Ministerial Advisory Committee was set up to identify the nature and extent of problems arising from off-target exposure to agrichemicals and report to the Minister for the Environment on practical and workable solutions. This is their final report. Read more -
April 2003This research report examines the economic risks and opportunities associated with the release of three different types of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in New Zealand, as well as of New Zealand forgoing GMO releases. Read more -
February 2003This document summarises submissions received in response to the public discussion paper, Improving the Operation of the HSNO Act for New Organisms, published in September 2002 Read more -
September 2002This is a summary of the submissions received on the public discussion document, Towards a Pesticides Risk reduction Policy for New Zealand, released in April 2002. Read more -
September 2002This study measured dioxin in soils at residential properties in the New Plymouth suburb of Paritutu. It was undertaken because of longstanding community issues with the history of dioxin emissions from a chemical plant located in the suburb. Read more -
September 2002This 2002 discussion paper sought views on changes that might be made to the main piece of legislation controlling genetic modification - the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act. Read more -
April 2002This discussion document released in 2002 discusses how the risks associated with the use of pesticides are managed and suggests some possible fresh approaches. Submissions closed 21 June 2002. Read more -
November 2001This 2001 ‘benchmark’ survey of a nationally representative sample of New Zealanders, 15 years plus, was undertaken to help the Ministry develop a public information campaign on genetic modification. Read more -
August 2001This report is an economic analysis of some technical options for reducing emissions of dioxins to air. Read more -
August 2001This report provides recommendations for the technical specifications for a discharge standard for waste incinerators. Read more -
August 2001This 2001 report estimates the value for New Zealand's export trade of our clean green image. The report focuses on three export areas: dairy, inbound tourism and organic produce. Read more -
August 2001This report summarises the findings of the "Valuing New Zealand's clean green image" report. Read more -
July 2001A Royal Commission on Genetic Modification was established by the Government on 8 May 2000 to look into and report on issues about genetic modification in New Zealand. This report presents their findings. Read more