Managing our Wetlands - Our Submission to MfE
Wetlands are one of New Zealand’s most ecologically valuable, and highly threatened, ecosystems. Since European settlement, more than 90% of our wetlands have been lost to urban or agricultural development. Protecting the few wetlands that we have left is of paramount importance for Aotearoa’s climate resilience, biodiversity, human health and community wellbeing. Read our submission to MfE on their recent proposals to shift wetland regulations, making it easier for industries to destroy wetlands.
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.
Our submission on the Freshwater Farm Plan Regulations
ELI has lodged a submission on the Freshwater farm plan regulations proposals. Our key concern is that the Government’s proposed Freshwater Farm Planning system is putting the cart before the horse, and in doing so risks the integrity of both our immediate and longer term limits set to protect and restore our freshwater.
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?
Enabling decision-makers to ‘give effect’ to Te Tiriti
One of the key objectives of the Resource Management Act’s reform is “to give proper recognition to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and provide greater recognition of te ao Māori including mātauranga Māori”. However, if Councillors and decision-makers lack the education and understanding to sufficiently “give effect” to Te Tiriti, it seems unlikely the Bill will achieve its purpose in this pursuit.
Read our submission to Fisheries NZ on sustainability measures for October 2021
ELI recently submitted on some proposals by Fisheries New Zealand wanting to increase the catches of southern bluefin tuna and west coast north island snapper. Find out why ELI believes maintaining the current TAC makes the most sense ecologically, economically, and culturally.
Read our submission on the Natural and Built Environments Bill
The government has released the first exposure draft of the Natural and Built Environments Bill (NBEB). The draft provides an early look into key aspects of the proposed Act, which is one of three new pieces of legislation set to replace the controversial Resource Management Act of 1991. ELI investigates whether the Bill will deliver where the RMA could not.
Climate change is everybody’s business
Biodiverse ecosystems are, quite literally, lifesaving. Here's why we cannot separate ourselves, nor our financial markets, from this fragile equation.
Recognising and managing the climate impacts of wetland drainage
The role of our wetlands in climate change mitigation & response.
Understanding Wetland Loss in NZ
Read a study exploring the key reasons for ongoing wetland loss in NZ.