Our rivers deserve better than ‘quick and dirty’
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.
Rivers to suffer from Government’s amendment to s107 of RMA
The Coalition Government’s plan to amend s107 of the RMA threatens to undermine a fundamental baseline protection for freshwater ecosystems.
Govt lacks clear rationale for weakening water pollution protections
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.
ECan’s appeal of the ALIL consent case
ECan is appealing ELI’s High Court win on the ALIL consent case.
ELI submits on the proposed Waikato Regional Coastal Plan
ELI has made a submission on the proposed Waikato Regional Coastal Plan.
ELI takes first step on reassessment of glyphosate
A reassessment of glyphosate using the most up-to-date independent science is long overdue. We have taken the first step towards a reassessment by applying to EPA to determine whether legal grounds exist for a reassessment.
ELI supports hapū to file Waitangi Tribunal claim for numerous breaches of Te Tiriti
Read the Waitangi Tribunal claim by Tangata Marae for numerous treaty breaches at Te Weraiti
ELI urges swift action to phase out harmful chemicals in everyday products
With growing awareness of the potential risks associated with specific chemicals found in everyday products, evidence-based regulation of these substances is imperative to safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of the environment, its people, and our communities. In light of this, ELI recently submitted their recommendations to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) regarding the proposed revisions to the Cosmetic Products Group Standard. Read our full submission here.
Concerns over lack of transparency and timely data in government’s latest freshwater report
The Ministry for the Environment has released its latest report on the state of freshwater in Aotearoa, “Our Freshwater 2023”, which provides an overview of the state of freshwater in Aotearoa, New Zealand. While elements of the report contain strengths, ELI is concerned that the 2023 iteration misses a crucial opportunity to provide a comprehensive assessment of changes in freshwater health over time. Read our brief analysis here.
What do NZ’s latest wetland regulations mean?
Recently, the New Zealand government made changes to the 2020 Freshwater Package after collecting input from the public. The 2020 Freshwater Package was supposed to provide increased protections for wetlands, in line with the government's policy goal of "no further wetland loss." However, following a lengthy consultation process, the government has proceeded with significant changes against recommendations of eNGOs and other concerned groups. Here, we break down what the new policy means and why it is significant.
Protecting our coastal wetlands - our submission to MfE
Our submission to the Ministry for the Environment on their proposed changes to provisions for wetlands in the coastal marine area (CMA).