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

We tend to think of fraught environmental issues as environment versus economy. But sometimes the conflict is environment versus environment. Building a hydroelectric scheme on a wild and scenic river is one.

The Commissioner recommends against a moratorium on 1080 citing the damage that would be done to native forests and animals if such a ban went ahead.

A follow of the responses to the 2008 report, Levin landfill: Environmental management review.

This report assesses the environmental effects of plans to increase lignite use a hundredfold or more

This report looks at and recommends improvements on how mining is managed on non-schedule 4 public conservation land.

In my role as an independent advisor I have often commented that climate change is the biggest environmental problem of our time. I was therefore disappointed to see that in terms of the draft Energy Strategy the aim to “Reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions” was relegated to the twelfth area of focus.

The purpose of this report is to take a fresh look at biofuels – to think strategically about how they might lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and thus reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. This fresh look has led me to the following four conclusions.

This is the Commissioner's submission on the the Schedule 4 stocktake discussion document.

This is the Commissioner's submission on the Electricity Industry Bill, which recommends the Electricity Authority provide for the development of a smart grid.

This is the Commissioner's submission to the Ministry for the Environment on the regulations for the allocation of carbon credits for industry under the ETS.

This is the Commissioner's speech to the Commerce Select Committee responding to submissions on her report "Smart electricity meters: How households and the environment can benefit"

This report assesses the improvement in environmental performance at the Stockton mine and makes recommendations to Ministers for over 100 old mining licenses with weak and outdated environmental conditions

This is the Commissioner's written submission and oral presentation notes on Jeanette Fitzsimon's Sustainable Biofuels Bill.

This is the Commissioner's submission to the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the proposed amendments to the Emissions Trading System.

This is the Commissioner's submission on the Improving Electricity Market Performance discussion document, following on from her Smart Meters report

The ETS presentation is mostly focused on omissions – things we think the officials should have said or spent more time analysing.

Demand for electricity is growing and the generation and transmission of electricity has significant effects on the environment. One tool that holds great promise for reducing demand for electricity is the ‘smart meter’. A look at how smart meters can benefit households and the environment and nine recommendations for Government.

Four consultant's reports that look at electricity meters and pricing plans. The reports consider the international experience of using meters and tariffs, and the ways in which they might be applied in New Zealand.

The Commissioner's advice to the Local Government and Environment Committee on the Resource Management Act Amendment Bill 2009

Six recommendations are made to the Electricity Commission and Minister for Energy in the PCE's annual assessment of the Commission's environmental performance.

Investigation into the management of the Levin landfill

The former Fruitgrowers Chemical Company site in Mapua was the worst known contaminated site in New Zealand. A major clean-up began in October 2004, and the PCE investigated complaints about the management of the clean-up operations.

One of the common measures to address climate change is to encourage the planting of more trees. The report describes the environmental benefits of both exotic and indigenous forestry. It then analyses if the proposed carbon returns for indigenous afforestation and reversion are fair. Finally, it considers possible alternative carbon assessment methodologies and suggests options for a way forward.

The Commissioner's response to advice from officials concerning her recommendations on the renewable preference part of the Climate Change Bill

The Commissioner's reponse to advice from officials concerning her recommendations on the environmental effects of the ETS

The Commissioner's submission in favour of establishing an Emissions Trading Scheme

An independent review of the Cawthron Report

The Commissioner's submission on the Biofuel Bill in 2008.

The Commissioner's briefing on the effectiveness of the Waste Minimisation Bill

The Commissioner answers a number of interlinked questions about the impact of environmental limits on inflation and economic growth.

Six recommendations are made to the Electricity Commission in the PCE's annual assessment of the Commission's environmental performance.

The Commissioner's briefing to the Primary Production Committee on water quality and quantity

Reviewing New Zealand's progress towards sustainability has been a key part of the PCE's role, since the publication of our 2002 report Creating our future: Sustainable development for New Zealand. As part of the review we set up an online Sustainability Forum, which closed in September 2007.

Briefing on the energy costs and environmental impacts of households

A review of progress on the four recommendations made in Missing links, a 2004 report on ways of forging better links between scientific knowledge, public concerns, and environmental policy making. Uptake of the recommendations has varied, but overall there are positive signs of change. Considerably more progress will be needed, however, to fully implement the intent of Missing links.

In 2007 PCE reviewed progress on the recommendations that were outlined in our 2004 report See Change. Many positive steps have been taken, and education for sustainability in New Zealand is now in much better shape than before the report was published. However, opportunities remain for further work across all sectors.

Local energy systems that include microgeneration technologies and energy efficiency measures could save and generate huge amounts of energy in the years ahead. A look at the new technologies and techniques for managing energy services at a local level, and six recommendations to make it happen.

This scoping study of the environmental performance of Solid Energy, New Zealand's largest coal mining company, found that further investigation is warranted. However, now that the company has environmental management plans in place, an audit will take place in 2008.

Making New Zealand homes more energy efficient will not only help combat climate change, it will also be good for the health of those who live in them. A look at how energy decisions might impact on the health and well-being of people and communities.

Wind power will have a key part to play in a sustainable energy future for New Zealand,, but more care is needed in how we develop it. This extensive overview includes a discussion of the impact of wind farms on valued landscapes, international experience of wind farms, and case studies from Auckland, the Manawatu and Wellington.

The Electricity Commission goes under the microscope, along with the electricity sector's impact on the environment. As a result, six recommendations are made to the Commission, and seven to the government.

Using waste as a case study, this report looks at how economic tools such as levies, taxes, credits, subsidies and credit schemes can be used to improve environmental management.

Work is now underway to restore the Rotorua Lakes. However, bringing the Lakes back to full health will take decades, so robust and enduring structures must be in place to make that happen.

Tensions can run high when people differ over what is best for their local environment. This report looks at how communities can work through their differences and come up with outcomes that everyone has a stake in.

Many of the noise and air pollution problems faced by residents who live alongside Hawke's Bay's main arterial route can be traced to past planning failures. This report has 14 recommendations to deal with the problems.

The first four months of the Electricity Commission's operation in the spotlight, and 12 recommendations to help New Zealand to get more value from its electricity supply.

Today's decisions on energy will shape the look of New Zealand for decades to come. This study outlines two scenarios of what New Zealand might look like depending on whether we continue to concentrate on the supply side of electricity, or whether we are prepared to innovate and get more value from the electricity we already produce.

The Growing for good report on intensive farming stirred widespread debate when released last October. At eight workshops around New Zealand in February and March 2005, farmers, scientists, and others including agribusiness and local authority representatives met to discuss it.

The strengths and weaknesses of community planning in dealing with complex environmental issues can be seen in this case study of the Coromandel town of Whangamata.

Growing for good is a major investigation into the sustainability of intensive farming in New Zealand. It examines key trends and the local and global influences on farming, and draws on research and over 150 interviews in outlining a redesign of farming for a sustainable future.

A 120-page investigation of how we can best use science to tackle complex environmental issues. Key recommendations include the need for long-term alliances between scientists and environmental policy makers; regular reviews of government's science capacity; and regular reports on the state of our environment. Drawing on international and New Zealand case studies, the report proposes that mediating bodies be used to improve the flow of information between the public, scientists and policy makers.

The PCE has developed a framework to assess the environmental performance of New Zealand's electricity sector. Its purpose is to certify that energy services from electricity are provided in an environmentally sustainable manner through ongoing environmental performance assessments of the sector. The Commissioner is particularly keen to see improvements in energy efficiency and demand-side management, greater uptake of new generation technologies, renewables and ditributed generation, and the minimisation of greenhouse gases.

The purpose of this think-piece is to raise the level of debate about education for sustainability, and to stimulate effective action so that New Zealanders can learn to live in sustainable ways. It highlights how education, in its broadest sense, needs to bring about a 'sea change' (a transformation) for the better. This will require a shift in perception and understanding among many people and organisations in New Zealand today.

A summary of submissions made in response to the Commissioner's discussion paper Illuminated or blinded by science? (2003). The discussion paper explored ways in which environmental policy and decision-making can be effectively supported by science and research to achieve effective environmental management and good outcomes. It laid out the many elements of science, policy and decision-making processes and posed some questions.

The PCE received 40 submissions on the proposed assessment framework from a wide variety of different organisations and individuals. The Commissioner also decided to respond to some concerns that were raised in these submissions.

An investigation into the environmental effects of cruise ships visiting New Zealand waters. The report discusses sources of environmental risk from cruise ships, including those from waste discharges to water and air, biosecurity risks, and maritime accidents. It reviews overseas and local mechanisms for identifying and resolving adverse environmental effects associated with cruise ships.

This discussion document is part of a framework the PCE developed to assess the environmental performance of New Zealand's electricity sector. The purpose of the framework is to certify that energy services from electricity are provided in an environmentally sustainable manner through ongoing environmental performance assessments of New Zealand's electricity sector.

The purpose of this discussion paper is to explore ways in which environmental policy and decision-making can be effectively supported by science and research to achieve effective environmental management and good outcomes. It lays out the many elements of science, policy and decision-making processes and poses some questions.

What can New Zealand learn from overseas experience about the management of icon landscapes in peri-urban areas? Three locations were chosen to examine land use planning in the context of sustainable development: the Oak Ridges Moraine in Ontario, Canada; the Cape Peninsula in South Africa; and the Peak District in the United Kingdom.

In 2002, I conducted a review of progress towards the outcomes sought in Getting More From Less. It is pleasing to note that the Government has accepted the vast majority of recommendations made in this report. Significant progress has also been made to implement many of these since 1998. New Zealand is now in a much stronger position than before my report was published to work towards a sustainable energy future.

A review of the progress of sustainable development in New Zealand, with particular reference to environmental management performance since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The report highlights the opportunities and challenges for the future in maintaining a healthy environment, social well-being and a strong economy.

This reports the findings of a scoping study undertaken through 2001 and early 2002 into the concept of a Treaty based environmental audit framework. The Commissioner's study was not intended to actually develop an audit framework, but to evaluate the concept, its potential applications in environmental management, and the principles and processes by which such a framework could be developed.

This is the final report of a project that started with the release of the discussion paper Weaving Resilience into our Working Lands: Future Roles for Native Plants on Private Land in June 2001. The final report addresses; the attitudes and mindsets surrounding native plants on private land; how to manage native plants sustainably; creating wealth with native plants; research and knowledge; and the effect of legislation and institutions.

On the southern plateau of Brazil one city, Curitiba, has lifted itself out of tough circumstances, by the strength of good design and cohesive political leadership. The results are highly visible and show how to combine a healthy ecology, a vibrant economy and a society that nurtures people.

A discussion paper on how New Zealand can extend and expand native plants on private land to make better the ecological sustainability of land use, increase the economic viability of primary industries, retain the biological diversity of indigenous species, and enhance the 'sense of place'. This paper explores the opportunities for, and barriers to, the expansion of native plants beyond parks and reserves and into working landscapes.

An investigation into Tasman District Council's (TDC) management of wetlands. The investigation reviews the international and national context for the sustainable management of wetlands at a strategic level. This includes consideration of: international conventions on wetlands (Ramsar); national initiatives on wetlands; Resource Management Act 1991 requirements; regional approaches to wetland management (other regional plans and non-regulatory programmes); and the contribution of wetlands to sustainable land use.

A review of the environmental planning and management carried out to ensure the sustainable development of peri-urban areas in New Zealand. The report highlights the complexity and variety of approaches adopted and seriously questions the adequacy and effectiveness of these in achieving desirable environmental outcomes.

A discussion paper on how New Zealand can extend and expand native plants on private land to make better the ecological sustainability of land use, increase the economic viability of primary industries, retain the biological diversity of indigenous species, and enhance the 'sense of place'. This paper explores the opportunities for, and barriers to, the expansion of native plants beyond parks and reserves and into working landscapes.

Low rainfall, very high per capita usage and a heavy reliance on a single source of supply, the Waikanae River, have created a water crisis on the Kapiti Coast. Simple engineering solutions, such as tapping into new and more remote sources of supply, are no longer appropriate - the solutions must meet the public health needs of growing communities, support commercial development and provide for the ecological health of the environment.

Following on from the discussion paper Ageing pipes and murky waters (PCE June 2000), this report presents the findings of the PCE's investigation into urban water systems. The report highlights issues such as the fragmented nature of waters management, the importance of raising stakeholder awareness of the issues, pricing and charging for water services and placing urban water systems into an ecological context.

The Hazardous Waste Management Programme has not achieved what it set out to do in 1997. Over 3 years after the programme was first announced, there is still no evidence of improved systems or outcomes.

New Zealand is at a critical point with respect to its ongoing relationship to biotechnology and genetic modification. A look at the last 200 years of science and technology, discussing the need for precaution, the possibility for severe, unintended and irreversible negative impacts on the environment to emerge decades after initial successes, and problems for risk assessment involving complex biological systems.

Land use planning for seismic events and building over active fault lines - key issues regarding the legislation and its implementation by local authorities. Includes topics such as access to geological information; risk assessment and management; regional and district planning; the Building Code and integration between the Building Act 1991 and the Resource Management Act 1991.

Overflying aircraft have the potential to adversely affect amenity values in National Parks and other areas that are highly valued for their natural character and tranquillity. Most concerns centre around the noise levels and the effect this has on other users of these areas.

Biosecurity is as strategically important as national security when it comes to protecting New Zealand's key economic and environmental assets. We need to improve our biosecurity system to deal with pests and diseases that are capable of causing damage to New Zealand's unique natural resources and biotic economy.

This study explores the interactions between science, regulatory agencies and communities in terms of views about a range of possum biocontrol options, most of which involve genetic engineering, that are currently being researched in New Zealand.

The supply of adequate drinking water and the removal of polluted waters are the two most fundamental needs of towns and cities, and without these services, cities rapidly become uninhabitable. This paper identifies the key social, environmental and economic issues affecting the sustainable management of urban water systems and presents a series of relevant questions to encourage debate.

A number of local authorities in New Zealand are seeking to implement Local Agenda 21 and advance sustainable development. This report discusses the implementation of Local Agenda 21 in the United Kingdom and raises a number of issues for New Zealand with regards to the implementation of Agenda 21.

A review of progress made with the implementation of energy efficiency initiatives as a contribution to sustainable development in New Zealand. The report highlights the need for strong Government leadership and partnership with all sectors, particularly industry, business and local government.

An investigation into the significant issues, strategic risks and opportunities that influence the management of New Zealand's marine environment. The report concludes that a major revision of our thinking, policies and legislation is needed to ensure the sustainable future of the oceans and seas around New Zealand.

The Ministry for the Environment's hazardous waste programme has not achieved its goals within the initial 3-year timeframe for completion. The programme has been extended and the PCE will continue to audit progress.

A joint study with the Auditor-General, which reviewed the functionality of the unitary authority model of local government, rather than the performance of individual councils. The report examined how unitary authority councils undertook their environmental management responsibilities compared with those of a selection of regional and territorial authorities.

This investigation examines the environmental implications of agreements made between resource consent applicants and persons having the status of 'affected persons' under the RMA. By enabling applicants to circumvent statutory requirements e.g. public notification, side agreements may result in activities receiving consent without a proper assessment of environmental effects.

A follow up report to assess the response by Timberlands West Coast Limited to recommendations made by the Commissioner in a 1995 review of Timberlands draft beech management plans; and to promote informed debate about the future uses of New Zealand native forests. The report focuses on the ecological sustainability of the proposed harvesting regimes.

In 1997 the rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD) was illegally imported into New Zealand as a bio-control. This discussion paper examines the many factors, from 1979-1997, that contributed to this extraordinary breach of biosecurity.

Concerns from residents that erosion of foredunes may be caused by commercial sand extraction led to an investigation of compliance monitoring by the regional council. This report highlights issues concerning: royalties processes; difficulties in managing effects at mean high water; the complexity of coastal processes; and the uncertainty surrounding the sustainability of activities such as commercial sand extraction.

A review of the role of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and its contribution to New Zealand's sustainable development goals. The report raises strategic issues to contribute to the debate about achieving better environmental performance.

How is information used in decision making under the RMA? An investigation of the manner in which information provided by the applicant, the affected parties or submitters and the council is used to make decisions, with specific reference to discharge permit applications.

This study revisited an earlier investigation on guidelines for local authority consultation with tangata whenua. The report reviews progress made on tangata whenua involvement in Resource Management Act (RMA) processes and identifies a number of areas for improvement, particularly in the areas of processes followed and relationships between iwi and councils.

New Zealand's lack of effective and consistent controls on hazardous waste creates a major risk to the environment and has the potential to affect our 'clean green' image. For over a decade successive Governments have failed to address even the fundamental issues such as a legal definition of 'hazardous waste', which means that as a nation we know little about the quantities of hazardous waste we produce or the risks to the environment as we try and dispose of them

New Zealand is highly urbanised, with more than 85 per cent of us living in towns and cities. The unsustainable nature and deteriorating quality of our urban environments are significant risks for New Zealand today, and this report on the management of the urban environment focuses on questions of sustainable development for our towns and cities and identifies major strategic priorities.

This investigation arose from a number of concerns raised with the Commissioner regarding the management of vegetation on the North Shore. It focuses on the effectiveness of the council's long term management of urban vegetation.

Tourism is critical to New Zealand's economy and depends to a large extent on environmental qualities. This report highlights the wide range of environmental effects and management problems associated with the industry and makes key recommendations for achieving sustainable tourism.

Examines the challenge of managing amenity values in New Zealand cities where population and housing densities are increasing. Looks at impacts on a range of values including streetscapes, natural and open spaces, city heritage, and traffic, and provides suggestions for improved management.

Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment publications prior to August 1997