Publication Search
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October 2019This report updates indices for coastal and ocean extreme waves previously developed to quantify the occurrence of extreme wave events in New Zealand on an annual basis. Read more -
October 2019This report provides new coastal chlorophyll-a and sea-surface temperature analyses within New Zealand’s territorial waters. Read more -
October 2019This report updates previously published data (2015) on coastal sea-surface temperature from 11 sites around New Zealand. Read more -
October 2019This report updates indicators for non-indigenous species with new data compiled since 2016. Read more -
October 2019This report updates previously published statistics on mean sea-level series and trends at Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, Dunedin, New Plymouth and Moturiki (Mount Maunganui) to the end of 2018. Read more -
April 2019This report updates the state and trends of water quality of coastal and estuarine waters for physico-chemical (eg, pH), optical (eg clarity), nutrients (eg, nitrates), and microbiological parameters (eg, enterococci). Read more -
March 2019This updated National Implementation Plan outlines measures to implement our obligations relating to new persistent organic pollutants added to the Stockholm Convention in 2009, 2013, 2015, and 2017. It also reports on New Zealand’s achievements in phasing out the 12 initial POPs. Read more -
February 2019This review was carried out to improve understanding of marine habitats in New Zealand. Read more -
July 2018In 2017, the Government strengthened the regulatory framework for the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas structures and pipelines in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This includes a new requirement for operators to provide a decommissioning plan before applying for a decommissioning-related marine consent. Read more -
August 2017The Government is considering how best to manage the deposit of jettisoned material from space launch vehicles in the wider EEZ and extended continental shelf and is seeking feedback on its proposed regulation. Read more -
August 2017This report assesses the environmental risks to the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf of threats arising from jettisoned material from space launch vehicles. Read more -
February 2017This report provides a classification of coastal hydrosystems within New Zealand, including some offshore islands. Read more -
October 2016'Our marine environment 2016' provides an overview of the pressures New Zealand's marine environment faces, how it is changing, and the impacts on our biodiversity, economy, and way of life. Read more -
October 2016This infographic provides a snapshot of New Zealand's marine environment. It presents key findings from 'Our marine environment 2016'. Read more -
August 2016The Government is considering how best to manage space vehicle launches and is seeking feedback on its proposed regulation. Read more -
August 2016This report assesses the environmental risks to the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf of threats arising from jettisoned material from space launch vehicles. Read more -
January 2016This consultation document sets out the Government’s proposal for a new approach to marine protection in New Zealand. The submission period has now closed. Read more -
January 2016New Zealand's submission to the International Seabed Authority to support the development of a regulatory framework for the exploitation of seabed minerals. Read more -
September 2015This booklet provides information on the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary. Read more -
March 2014This document summarises the submissions received on the exposure draft of regulations for exploration drilling for oil and gas under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 and presents the main issues and themes raised. Read more -
February 2014This NIWA report is a risk-based assessment of the spectrum of environmental effects of discharging tailings and sediments from the prospecting and exploration stages of mineral mining operations into the marine environment, considering all aspects of risk to the marine environment. Read more -
February 2014In 2014, the Government sought feedback on an exposure draft of the EEZ and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects—Discharge and Dumping) Regulations 2014. This supporting information explains the exposure draft process, details the proposals, and how to make a submission. Read more -
December 2013This document summarises the submissions received on the Activity Classifications under the EEZ Act discussion document and presents the main issues and themes raised. Read more -
December 2013In 2013, the Government sought feedback on an exposure draft of the proposed exploratory drilling for oil and gas regulations under the EEZ Act. This document provided supporting information for the consultation. Consultation closed 31 January 2014. Read more -
August 2013This discussion document sought feedback on the Government’s proposals for regulating exploratory drilling for oil and gas, discharges of harmful substances, and dumping of waste in New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Submissions closed on 25 September 2013. Read more -
April 2013This report develops definitions for biogenic (biologically formed) and geological environments identified as sensitive by National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the Ministry. Read more -
December 2012The latest indicator update providing information on the area of New Zealand’s marine areas with legal protection. Read more -
May 2012This discussion document sought feedback on proposed regulations for managing the environmental effects in New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf. Submissions on the discussion document have now closed. Read more -
May 2012This independent report prepared for the Ministry by NIWA lists the known possible activities in the EEZ and describes their likely risk to the environment. It also recommends how activities could be classified under the proposed regulatory framework. Read more -
June 2011Information for boaties on how to manage sewage on your boat to keep our bays clean. Read more -
November 2010This environmental report card is one of a series that provides information on New Zealand’s fishing activity from an environmental perspective. Total commercial catch and stock status are used to report on fish stocks under the quota management system (QMS). Read more -
March 2010This snapshot report is one of a series that provides information on New Zealand’s fishing activity from an environmental perspective. To report on seabed trawling, the area trawled by commercial trawlers and the types of fish found in different trawled areas are estimated. Read more -
September 2009As part of its National Environmental Reporting Programme, the Ministry for the Environment has compiled monitoring results for recreational water quality for six summers (2003 to 2009). Read more -
December 2008The 2008 environmental report card providing information on the area of New Zealand’s marine areas with legal protection. This report card has been superseded by the Marine Protected Areas indicator update published in 2012. Read more -
June 2008This is one in a series of information sheets providing a snapshot of the data in Environment New Zealand 2007, the second national-level state of NZ’s environment report. Each information sheet also provides tips about what you can do to reduce your impact on the environment. Read more -
December 2007A report was commissioned in 2007 to investigate risk management options available to the aquaculture industry and regional and unitary authorities. Read more -
December 2007This document provides a summary of the submissions received in response to the discussion paper, Improving Regulation of Environmental Effects in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone, released by the Ministry in 2007. Read more -
August 2007The Ministry released this discussion paper on 1 August 2007. The paper proposed establishing new legislation to fill key gaps in the environmental regulation of New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and promoted a consistent approach to environmental management. Read more -
July 2006This report examines options for using market-based instruments to maximise the value and sustainability of New Zealand’s marine resource. Read more -
May 2006This report, commissioned in 2006, examines possible government actions and their ability to contribute to the sustainable development of marine resources. Read more -
March 2006These best practice guidelines have been developed to identify, assess and manage environmental impacts associated with petroleum exploration, development and production activities being undertaken in NZ's Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf beyond the Territorial Sea. Read more -
June 2005This 2005 report looked at the information and tools needed to make smart decisions about the best future uses of our ocean. It assessed the range of information and decision-making tools available in 2005 and identified opportunities to improve requirements. Read more -
June 2005This 2005 report outlines opportunities to improve the requirements in the management of the environmental impacts of activities in New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Read more -
June 2003The Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy is an initiative of the Guardians of Fiordland’s Fisheries and Marine Environment community which promotes a new approach to protecting the Fiordland marine environment through co-operative and integrated management. Read more -
June 2003This 2003 report prepared by the Centre for Advanced Engineering provided information on economic opportunities for New Zealand's oceans. Read more -
May 2003This report presents the findings of research carried out to identify oceans management issues and problems facing local government and Department of Conservation conservancy staff. Read more -
February 2003A series of 11 working papers produced (compiled into one PDF) outlining the issues that were important to address in the Oceans Policy in 2003. Read more -
November 2002A 2002 stocktake of New Zealand's oceans legislation, policies, and strategies - and the international conventions New Zealand is a party to. Read more -
November 2002This information sheet explains the reasons for the 2002 aquaculture reforms, the key aspects of the policy, and the role different government agencies will play. Read more -
September 2001Report on consultation undertaken in 2001 by the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Oceans Policy. Read more