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

To maintain or improve the quality of the environment by providing robust independent advice that influences decisions.

The goal of the Commissioner and her staff is to contribute toward the maintenance and improvement of the natural and physical environment. Many agencies and individuals share this goal. It is the way in which we seek to achieve this goal that defines our mission; that is, through influencing decisions.

The Commissioner's role as an Officer of Parliament gives us a unique opportunity to provide Parliament with independent advice in its consideration of any matters that may impact on the quality of the environment. Members of Parliament are the primary group of decision makers we aim to influence.

The Commissioner is required to deliver one output, Reports and Advice. This output is produced through four areas of activity.

• Working with Parliament through advice to select committees and inquiries for the House of Representatives, and through effectiveness, influence and accountability reporting
• Reviewing and investigating through environmental investigations and targeted inquiries
• Communicating and informing by monitoring environmental matters, engagement with stakeholders, presentation of investigations, and interaction with the media
• Encouraging preventive measures and remedial actions for the protection of the environment, through the above activities.

We have set three objectives against which to assess our performance and frame our risk management:

• We are influential.
• We deliver value for money.
• We are known as a great place to work.