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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 -
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 2008This leaflet provides an overview of the proposed National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. The NES came into effect on 1 July 2011. 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 -
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 -
October 2001This information sheet, published in 2001, provides information on controls in New Zealand for genetic modification and looks at recommendations of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification. 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
June 2020This factsheet provides a high-level overview of the new freshwater planning process (FPP) introduced by the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020. 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 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 2004This 2004 discussion document invited submissions on key issues likely to be covered by a HSNO amendment Bill. Read more -
April 2004This 2004 discussion document invited submissions on key issues likely to be covered by a HSNO amendment Bill. Read more -
September 2001This document summaries submissions received on the revised and new ambient air quality guidelines. Read more -
January 2010This environmental snapshot provides information on the pressures on New Zealand’s environment from land use. 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 2001This paper is a summary of the report, "Concentrations of selected organochlorines in serum from the non-occupationally exposed New Zealand Population". Read more -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
March 2018This fact sheet provides information to consider when identifying, assessing and investigating land where PFAS was manufactured, used or disposed. This guidance is intended to be consistent with the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (PNEMP) developed by the Heads of EPAs Australia and New Zealand (HEPA) and released in February 2018. Read more -
September 2020A new fast track process for more straightforward applications (district land use activities) has been introduced by RLAA. Read more -
September 2020A new step-by-step process to determine whether to give public or limited notification of resource consents has been introduced by the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017. 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 -
October 2009This is one in a series of fact sheets summarising changes made by the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009. This sheet outlines new mechanisms for direct referral, requests for independent commissioners and restricted coastal activities decisions. Read more -
October 2009This is one in a series of fact sheets summarising the main changes made by the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009. This fact sheet outlines the roles, functions and powers of the new Environmental Protection Authority. Read more -
March 2018A new streamlined planning process (SPP) was introduced by Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017, which took effect on 19 April 2017. This flow chart shows the steps involved in the Streamlined Planning Process. It should be read in conjunction with the SPP technical guidance. Read more -
October 2009This is one in a series of fact sheets summarising the main changes made by the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009. This fact sheet outlines new tools to reduce vexatious and frivolous appeals and appeals motivated or backed by trade competition. 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 -
July 2019This factsheet about on work on productive and sustainable land is one of 12 factsheets produced for the Environment Committee’s 2019/20 Estimates examination of Vote Environment. Read more -
July 2019This factsheet about the Ministry's work on PFAS is one of 12 factsheets produced for the Environment Committee’s 2019/20 Estimates examination of Vote Environment. 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 -
July 2019This factsheet is about our work on contaminated land and is one of 12 factsheets produced for the Environment Committee’s 2019/20 Estimates examination of Vote Environment. Read more -
July 2004This paper was published as part of the Water Programme of Action Freshwater for a Sustainable Future consultation. Read more -
April 2017Note: Information in these factsheets may be out of date as a result of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 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