EPA says it’s committed to maintaining New Zealand’s reputation for environmental integrity while ensuring businesses can access the latest innovations safely and efficiently.

The Government has introduced long awaited legislation that will put a stop to large-scale farm-to-forestry conversions – delivering on a key election promise to protect the future of New Zealand food production.

The Environmental Defence Society opposes the Government’s decision to press ahead with amendments to the Resource Management Act that severely curtail the ability of regional councils to manage the impacts of fishing on coastal marine biodiversity.

New Zealand remains ‘on track’ to meet the Government’s public sector target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.

Reforms have been announced which will modernise and strengthen Fish & Game New Zealand,improve the national management of hunting and fishing resources and advocacy, while maintaining local control over local fishing and hunting rules.

The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, has released his decisions on 17 recommendations referred to him by Christchurch City Council on its Intensification Planning Instrument (Plan Change 14).

It’s been four months since the Fast-track Approvals system opened for business and the Government says statistics show strong progress toward making it quicker and easier to build the projects New Zealand needs for economic growth.

Progress is being made on the exploration of supercritical geothermal as a potential energy source, with a governance group established and potential drilling sites being identified.

This release from MfE, contains the interim regulatory impact statements for packages 1-3.

The newly adopted Auckland Council policy ensures the cost of growth-related infrastructure is fairly shared between developers and ratepayers.

Infrastructure New Zealand is welcoming the release of consultation on the first National Policy Statement for Infrastructure and the strengthening of guidance for local government as to how they can better integrate infrastructure into consenting and planning processes.

The Commissioner has made a submission to the Ministry for the Environment on proposed changes to New Zealand’s waste legislation.