PCE report on unlocking environmental information

Image source: View of New Zealand from the International Space Station, NASA

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has released a major new report: 'Unlocking New Zealand's environmental information'.

It examines New Zealand's environmental information system, the opportunities created by rapidly evolving technologies and what needs to change to ensure decision-makers have access to the information they need.

Unlocking New Zealand's environmental information outlines how better collection, management and use of environmental information could support more effective responses to New Zealand's environmental challenges. This report examines how environmental information is collected and managed across New Zealand. The report identifies major challenges, including fragmentation, duplication, data gaps, inconsistent standards and a lack of system-wide leadership.

The report also highlights the potential of innovative technologies, such as remote sensing, automated monitoring, environmental DNA, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure and communications technologies, to improve how we understand and manage our environment. However, it concludes that technology alone is not enough. Better coordination, stronger governance and long-term investment are also needed.