Publication Search
Search below then narrow your results using the options on the left.
-
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 -
August 2008In 2004, the Government decided to review flood risk management to ensure the framework was robust. The Ministry for the Environment led the review, and a Steering Group provided direction and guidance. This report presents the review's findings. Read more -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
July 2001This publication provides background information about the sources, causes and processes involved with the deterioration of streams in farmed catchments and the consequences of that deterioration. Read more -
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 -
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 -
September 2001This document summaries submissions received on the revised and new ambient air quality guidelines. Read more -
June 2001The Soil Conservation Handbook is a comprehensive collection of information about soil conservation in New Zealand. Part A covers the forms and processes of the main types of erosion in New Zealand while Part B describes the control techniques. Read more -
May 2017This report assesses the structure and format of regional rules, and how they vary around New Zealand. Read more -
May 2017This report examines the use of spatial planning tools across New Zealand and identifies commonalities and differences. Read more -
October 2010This discussion document presents options for improving New Zealand’s resource management regulations and processes. Submissions closed 17 December 2010. Read more -
May 2017This 2013 report identified practice and trends in the structure, format and electronic delivery of RMA plans in New Zealand. Read more -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
February 2010This discussion document, including the proposed national environmental standard and supporting soil guideline values, propose planning controls appropriate to district and city council plans for assessing contaminants in soil, and a set of chemical-specific soil contaminant thresholds that will define an adequate level of protection for human health for a range of differing land-uses in New Zealand. Read more -
May 2017This paper gives an overview of the new National Planning Standards tool. Read more -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
November 2019The Resource Management Review Panel has been established to undertake a comprehensive review of the Resource Management Act and other significant legislation comprising the resource management system. Read more -
June 2011This report contains a summary of the 284 submissions received on options contained in the discussion document Building Competitive Cities: Reform of the urban and infrastructure planning system. Read more -
April 2012This users’ guide explains the regulations and provides guidance to territorial and unitary authorities on implementing the National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health. Read more -
July 2004This paper was published as part of the Water Programme of Action Freshwater for a Sustainable Future consultation. Read more -
November 2006This guideline was developed to help local authorities address the potential risks from contaminated sheep-dip sites. It provides best practice advice on identifying potentially contaminated sheep-dip sites, and determining the acceptable level of contamination for various land uses. Read more -
May 2017This document gives a review of the electronic delivery of planning, and planning systems in five jurisdictions identified by the Ministry for the Environment . Read more -
October 2009To better understand the challenges faced by large resource consent applications, the Ministry commissioned a review of resource consent applications by TrustPower Ltd to construct and operate a hydro power scheme on the Wairau River, Marlborough. This report presents the review findings. Read more -
April 2017This guide will help practitioners and decision-makers undertake good practice section 32 evaluations. Read more -
July 2020This document provides guidance for applicants who wish to apply to the Minister for the Environment for their project to be referred to an expert consenting panel under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020. Read more -
November 2018This report assesses how well we are developing and maintaining the regulatory regimes we are responsible for, including the state of each piece of legislation, any plans for amendments, and our view of important emerging issues. Read more -
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