Publication Search
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August 2003This technical report provides information on the sources of fine particles (PM10 – particles less then 10 microns in diameter) in New Zealand. Read more
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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
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July 2020New Directions for Resource Management in New Zealand is a comprehensive review of our resource management system. The review process was an opportunity to design a new system for resource management that delivers better outcomes for our environment, society, economy, and culture. Read more
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October 2003This pamphlet outlines New Zealand's approach to genetic modification. Read more
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February 2017This report provides a classification of coastal hydrosystems within New Zealand, including some offshore islands. Read more
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June 2004This booklet answers some of the basic questions you might have about what genetic modification is, how applications to use it can be made, and how they are controlled and managed in New Zealand. It will also point you to sources of further information. Read more
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February 2019This review was carried out to improve understanding of marine habitats in New Zealand. Read more
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August 1997The Users’ Guide includes information on assessment, acceptance criteria and site management. It is supported by modules of technical information. Read more
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May 2010Preparing for Future Flooding is a summary of the Ministry’s technical report 'Tools for estimating the effects of climate change on flood flow'. It provides good practice information and guidance to help local authorities incorporate climate change impacts into flood risk management. Read more
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December 1998Guidance for the owners and managers of petroleum industry sites on how to ensure water discharges will not cause significant adverse effects on the environment. Read more
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July 2020This summary outlines the principal reasons which led to the review of the resource management system and the Resource Management Review Panel’s main recommendations in their report. Read more
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December 2006New Zealand's National Implementation Plan under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants sets out how New Zealand is meeting its obligations under this convention. Read more
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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
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June 1999Information on the assessment and management of sites contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. Read more
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April 2011This guideline has been developed through a partnership between the Ministry for the Environment, regional councils and unitary authorities to ensure consistency in the reporting on contaminated sites. Read more
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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
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September 2016This draft revised guideline has been released to assist understanding of the proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health. The final revised guideline will be gazetted in early 2017. Read more
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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
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November 2003The Ministry and local government developed these guidelines to ensure the consistent selection and application of the environmental guideline values most commonly used in contaminated site assessments in New Zealand. Read more
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July 2001This leaflet provides a general introduction to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act. Read more
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July 2001An essential reference for people affected by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act. Read more
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June 2000A guide on where to find information on the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. Read more
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June 2003This 2003 report set out the Government's plan to the reduce cost of complying with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act without compromising safety and the environment. Read more
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September 2001This document summaries submissions received on the revised and new ambient air quality guidelines. Read more
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December 2012The latest indicator update providing information on the area of New Zealand’s marine areas with legal protection. Read more
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May 2017This report assesses the structure and format of regional rules, and how they vary around New Zealand. Read more
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May 2017This report examines the use of spatial planning tools across New Zealand and identifies commonalities and differences. Read more
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May 2017This 2013 report identified practice and trends in the structure, format and electronic delivery of RMA plans in New Zealand. Read more
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April 2019This guide outlines the process of gathering information to make decisions about investigating, managing and remediating sites in New Zealand contaminated with PFAS. Read more
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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
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May 2017This report examines urban zone provisions within district plans throughout New Zealand to better understand the most commonly used provisions and the key differences in the core urban zones. Read more
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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
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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
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October 2011This checklist should be included as a cover sheet for all contaminated site investigations. The checklist is taken from the Contaminated Land Management Guidelines No.1 – Reporting on Contaminated Sites in New Zealand (Revised 2011). Read more
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June 2003Every two years the Ministry for the Environment carries out the Resource Management Act (RMA) survey of all local authorities in New Zealand. The survey includes questions about six key aspects of RMA process. Read more
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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
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October 2011This checklist is taken from Contaminated Land Management Guidelines No. 1 – Reporting on Contaminated Sites in New Zealand (Revised 2011) and relates to the removal and replacement of petroleum underground storage tanks and underground equipment. Read more
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July 2008This proposed National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management sets out the objective and policies for managing New Zealand's freshwater resources under the Resource Management Act 1991. The NPS came into effect on 1 July 2011. Read more
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February 2004This guideline provides best practice for the sampling and analysis of soils on sites where hazardous substances are present or suspected in soils in New Zealand, and guidance on the principles governing the interpretation of the data obtained. Read more
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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
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December 2009The Water Research Strategy sets out the issues for water management and guides investment in water research. It is intended to guide the science sector to deliver the information and tools required to enable world class management of water resources in New Zealand. Read more
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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
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May 2005Information on improving the workability of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act. Read more
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May 2017This paper gives an overview of the new National Planning Standards tool. Read more
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December 2014This guide will help practitioners understand and implement new provisions that determine the timeframes for decision-making on fully and limited notified resource consent applications. Read more
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December 2014This guide will help practitioners understand and implement new provisions concerning the required content of resource consent applications under section 88 and Schedule 4 of the RMA. Read more
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May 2017This report studies five districts (Kaipara, New Plymouth, Taupo, Waimakariri and Clutha) to understand why district councils use ‘effects-based’ plans, and the usability and outcomes of such plans. Read more
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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
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April 2018Mana Whakahono ā Rohe is a new tool designed to assist tangata whenua and local authorities discuss, agree and record how they will work together under the Resource Management Act. This guidance explains how the legislation can be implemented and provides ideas about what could be included in a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe arrangement. Read more
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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