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

Forecast Report for the year ended 30 June 2003

Report summary

Critical Issues 2002-2003

The following issues could have an influence on the operations of the Commissioner in 2002-2003 and may be examined:

• the ability of tangata whenua, community groups, non-governmental organisations and individuals to participate effectively in environmental management processes in order to achieve sound environmental outcomes;
• the ability of New Zealand's public authorities and their environmental management systems to ensure a sustainable future through, in particular;
• • management of the urban environment, including water, transport and waste management;
  • management of biosecurity, including issues associated with trade liberalisation and its impact on the environment;
  • the provision of evidence based information for environmental and resource management policy development and decision making;
  • the provision of adequate information for environmental and resource managers in the private and public sectors; and
  • the operation of the electricity industry with respect to improved environmental outcomes;
• the role of environmental education in both the private and public sectors in New Zealand in advancing understanding of sustainable management.

The Commissioner may also provide assistance for select committees of the House of Representatives.