New Zealand’s environmental reporting system

The Commissioner has released a detailed review review of how well Aotearoa New Zealand reports on the state of its environment.

Climate policy needs a landscape approach

The Commissioner's report explores a different approach to framing New Zealand’s long-term climate change targets and policies, and what that could mean for our landscapes.

Overseer and regulation of water quality

The Commissioner has released a report into Overseer’s use in regulation to help maintain and improve water quality.

Warming caused by methane from livestock

The Commissioner has released new research explaining the contribution that continued methane emissions from New Zealand’s livestock (mostly cows and sheep) would make to global warming.

Biodegradable plastics

The Commissioner has conducted an enquiry into the nature of claims being made around biodegradable and compostable plastics in the environment.

A Zero Carbon Act for New Zealand

Mr Upton's first report as Commissioner contains detailed advice to Parliament on plans for a UK-style Zero Carbon Act and independent Climate Commission.

Our role

The current Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is Mr Simon Upton. As an independent Officer of Parliament, he has broad powers to investigate environmental concerns and is wholly independent of the government of the day.

A Zero Carbon Act for New Zealand

In this video, Mr Upton discusses his first report as Commissioner, in which he gives detailed advice to Parliament on plans for a Zero Carbon Act and an independent Climate Commission.

View the report

New Zealand’s environmental reporting system

Climate policy needs a landscape approach

Overseer and regulation of water quality

Warming caused by methane from livestock

Biodegradable plastics

A Zero Carbon Act for New Zealand

Our role

News &
Insights

There are no costless ways forward on carbon

Media release: ‘Huge’ data gaps undermine environmental stewardship

Animation: Farms, forests and fossil fuels – A policy perspective

Address at the EMANZ/TSS Conference

Address at the 2019 Wind Energy Conference

A Zero Carbon Act for New Zealand

About the Parliamentary Commissioner for the environment

Simon Upton

The Commissioner

Our role

Functions and powers

What we do

New Zealand’s environmental reporting system

Climate policy needs a landscape approach

Overseer and regulation of water quality

Warming caused by methane from livestock

Biodegradable plastics

A Zero Carbon Act for New Zealand

Our role

News & Insights

There are no costless ways forward on carbon

Media release: ‘Huge’ data gaps undermine environmental stewardship

Animation: Farms, forests and fossil fuels – A policy perspective

Address at the EMANZ/TSS Conference

Address at the 2019 Wind Energy Conference

A Zero Carbon Act for New Zealand

About the Parliamentary Commissioner for the environment

Simon Upton

The Commissioner

Our role

Functions and powers

What we do

News &
Insights