Glossary
This glossary contains a broad selection of definitions relating to environmental matters in New Zealand and internationally.
Words defined elsewhere in the glossary are in bold.
(NZ) = New Zealand definition
(M) = Māori word
(Int) = International definition
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| AEE | See assessment of environmental effects |
| Agenda 21 | A major result of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). A non-binding framework of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally, to achieve sustainable development consisting of four interlinked sections: social and economic dimensions; management and conservation of natural resources; means of implementation; and strengthening the role of organizations of the United Nations system, governments, and major groups in every area in which humans impact on the environment. (Int) |
| amenity values | Defined in the RMA as "those natural or physical qualities and characteristics of an area that contribute to people's appreciation of its pleasantness, aesthetic coherence, and cultural and recreational attributes". It can include open space, design features, urban vegetation, historic and cultural heritage, and intangible attributes such as character, landscape and 'sense of place'. |
| ANZECC | Australia and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, a non-statutory Ministerial Council formed in July 1991. ANZECC consists of the Australian Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers and the New Zealand and Papua New Guinea Ministers responsible for the environment and conservation. It provides a forum for member governments to exchange information and experience and develop coordinated policies in relation to national and international environment and conservation issues. (Int) |
| ANZFA | Australia New Zealand Food Authority, a statutory authority operating under the Australia New Zealand Food Authority Act 1991. The Act provides a focus for cooperation between governments, industry and the community to establish and maintain uniform food regulation in Australia and New Zealand. (Int) |
| Aotearoa | Islands of New Zealand (M) |
| APEC | Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, established in 1989, its role to promote open trade and economic cooperation among its 21 member 'economies' around the Pacific rim, of which New Zealand is one. (Int) |
| ASEAN | Association of South East Asian Nations |
| AS/NZS | Australian and New Zealand standard |
| assessment of environmental effects | A report outlining the effects that a proposed activity might have on the environment. (NZ) |