Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment - Te Kaitiaki Taiao a Te Whare Pāremata

Latest news

Statement of Intent 2013 - 2016
16 May 2013
The year ahead proves to be another busy one. As environment issues are becoming ever more complex, so the work of my office becomes increasingly complicated – there are no easy answers. Environmental problems are multifaceted, with many interconnected relationships all requiring analysis.


Stop commercial fishing or longfin eels will perish – Environment Commissioner
17 Apr 2013
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Jan Wright has called for a moratorium on the commercial harvesting of New Zealand’s longfin eel and for DOC to step up its protection of this iconic native species.


On a pathway to extinction? An investigation into the status and management of the longfin eel
17 Apr 2013
As this report was nearing completion I found myself describing the remarkable lifecycle of the longfin eel to an acquaintance. At the end of a long life, longfin eels leave their freshwater homes to journey for thousands of kilometres north through the Pacific to breed somewhere near Fiji.


Freshwater changes show promise – Environment Commissioner
08 Apr 2013
The Government’s proposed changes to freshwater management are much needed, but only if they are implemented properly says the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright.


PCE freshwater reforms submission - April, 2013
08 Apr 2013
Water has been one of the most defining and contentious environmental issues in New Zealand over the last decade. It is good to see the Government taking action in this area.


Environment Commissioner rejects radical RMA changes
03 Apr 2013
Proposed changes to sections 6 and 7 of the Resource Management Act will alter the function of the RMA and erode its environmental protections says the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright.