Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2008

Report summary

by Commissioner Dr Jan Wright

This annual report marks the completion of my first full year in this unique and rewarding role. I feel very privileged to be an Officer of Parliament and to be able to give independent advice on environmental matters.

This year the preparation of our Statement of Intent was combined with our Strategic Plan and this document outlines the new direction of the office. That direction is expressed in our new mission statement focused on influencing decision-makers.

Environmental concern continues to grow, but translating that concern into actions that really improve environmental outcomes is often not straightforward. Our work programme is organised into three areas that are derived directly from the functions of the Commissioner as set out in the Environment Act 1986 and this report is structured accordingly.

Presentations to a range of select committees have formed the major part of work completed this year. Climate change dwarfs many other challenges and our work as advisers to the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the very complex Emissions Trading and Renewable Energy Preference Bill became a major project. We were unexpectedly invited to give some specific advice to the same committee during the Monetary Policy Inquiry. This illustrates well how environmental concerns are now interlinked with economic concerns.

Much of the ‘review and investigate’ work done during the year has gone into completing projects begun by my predecessor, Dr Morgan Williams. In particular, the investigation into the remediation of the contaminated site at Mapua has taken much time and effort. We have also made some good progress in laying the groundwork for the new projects we will be looking at in 2008/09.

The year has been marked by a great deal of change in office staffing and systems.  Restructuring resulted in a significant turnover of staff. The new staff have settled well into their roles and I am indeed fortunate to have their strong support. Changes in office systems have been driven by a ‘fit-for-purpose’ approach.

I am pleased to present my annual report for the work we have undertaken in 2007/08, and look forward with my hard-working and talented team to a productive 2008/09.