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 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.
Ensuring environmental protection is prioritised in the RMA reform
ELI has submitted comprehensive feedback for the government on the Natural Built and Environment Bill (NBEB) and the Spatial Planning Bill (SPB), both of which are set to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA). The RMA is one of NZ’s most important pieces of legislation – governing what can be built, when, where and how.
Our submission on the Companies (Directors Duties) Amendment Bill
NZ Parliament recently collected feedback on The Companies (Directors Duties) Amendment Bill, which seeks to clarify that company directors can consider a range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters when making decisions for their company. Read our submission on the Bill here.
Living up to our international fisheries obligations: our submission to FNZ
With an EEZ that occupies a relatively generous share of the world’s oceans, New Zealand lags behind other countries in its adoption of international standards and norms. This consultation provides the perfect opportunity for New Zealand to do a stock take against international developments in fishing over the past 25 years, redress the current inadequacies in the Fisheries Act (we have suggested two), and fully implement the international obligations we have signed up to on the world stage.
Our submission on the HSNO (Hazardous Substances Assessments) Amendment Bill
New Zealand lags behind other OECD nations in its regulation of hazardous substances. Many chemicals banned overseas continue to be used daily in NZ. ELI therefore supports the aim and purpose of the HSNO Amendment Bill. Any improvements to the hazardous substances regulatory regime are to be welcomed.
Glyphosate use in NZ
Read our submission on the EPA's call for information on Glyphosate use in NZ - the active ingredient in approximately 90 herbicidal products.
If we are serious about ‘environmental limits’ then they need to be limiting
Why the NBEB must be redrafted to ensure a pivotal role for independent science.
Following the Aichi failures, how will the world meet its biodiversity targets?
Biodiversity underpins the wellbeing of all life on Earth. Following the failed Aichi targets of 2010, how can we ensure that the targets set out in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework are stronger and more effective?