Statement of Intent 2007-2010

This Statement of Intent sets out the PCE's long-term strategic direction and the forecast financial statements for the coming year. The primary outcome to which the office seeks to contribute is:
A healthy environment, highly valued by people, and managed responsibly
for the current and future benefit of all.

Intermediate outcomes that enable the PCE to contribute to this goal are:

  • Parliament and the public knowing whether environmental management regimes are operating in a way that maintains or improves the environment
  • Parliament and the public knowing whether public authorities are meeting their environmental responsibilities
  • Advising Parliament and select committees on environmental matters
  • Providing high quality information, dialogue, and action on environmental issues.

These outcomes are delivered through the output 'reports and advice'. This involves activities including:

  • Reviewing and investigating through environmental investigations and targeted inquiries
  • Advising Parliament through advice to select committees and inquiries for the House of Representatives, and through effectiveness, influence, and accountability reporting
  • Informing and encouraging by providing information and advice on environmental matters, and through communications, presentations, and workshops.

Strategic framework

Since 1997 the PCE has prepared a five-yearly strategic plan setting broad goals and areas of focus. With new Commissioner Dr Jan Wright appointed in March 2007, a new strategic plan will be developed.

External factors that will influence the Commissioner's strategic direction include:

  • International influences: Because New Zealand's economy is predominantly biological, based on the natural capital of its land and oceans, it is vulnerable to global responses to climate change. Climate change itself will also have a growing impact on many aspects of our environment and the economy
  • Key trends withing New Zealand: These include changes to legislation and to local government; business responses; community actions; tangata whenua and environmental leadership; and environmental systems at risk.