We use the law to protect the natural taonga of Aotearoa

Water is a public good. No one automatically has the right to pour contaminants or waste into water - or land, in circumstances where it may enter water. 

Yet, last week, the Government weakened key provisions of the Resource Management Act, meaning more pollution into rivers, lakes, wetlands and estuaries - such as nitrate from cow urine - is suddenly allowable.

“These chemicals end up everywhere. They are in our food, in our playgrounds, in our gardens, and in our waterways. The EPA should be making decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of how glyphosate and its co-formulants affect us here in New Zealand,” says Ms Upperton. 

The Coalition Government’s plan to amend s107 of the RMA threatens to undermine a fundamental baseline protection for freshwater ecosystems.

From September 30th – October 1st, ELI will be in the Christchurch High Court, holding Environment Southland to account for the wide-scale destruction of wetlands under its watch.

In August, ELI challenged the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Total Allowable Catch decision for crayfish in Northland in the Wellington High Court.  

In August, Minister for Agriculture Todd McClay announced the Government wants to urgently make ‘clarifying’ changes to section 107 of the RMA. In ELI’s view, the change is not about clarification, but really about weakening environmental protections.