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.

These OPs are the main components of widely used insecticides, pesticides and herbicides in NZ. They have been banned in numerous jurisdictions including the EU and US, due to evidence of significant adverse environments on people and the environment. However, there is an almost complete lack of evidence on the effects of these OPs on NZ’s environment, indigenous taxa and habitats. There is also a lack of evidence on the benefits and economic costs of continuing/discontinuing their use. In ELI’s view, this evidence is crucial to undertaking an informed reassessment. Without it, the EPA should follow the HSNO Act and apply a precautionary approach to its regulation of these hazardous substances.

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.

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.

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.

Read our submission on the EPA's call for information on Glyphosate use in NZ - the active ingredient in approximately 90 herbicidal products.

ELI is seeking to establish a Māori Advisory Panel that runs alongside our existing Advisory Panel. Such a panel will support and challenge ELI staff in their kaupapa throughout their various work streams.

In partnership with Victoria University of Wellington - ELI is funding three research scholarships for law students, all exploring topics concerning environmental law. Applications close on the 20th of September, 2021.

Why the NBEB must be redrafted to ensure a pivotal role for independent science.

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?

The New Zealand Penguin Initiative (NZPI) is seeking one self-motivated, organised and passionate individual to lead the community coordination, outreach, and conservation of kororā (little penguin) and hoiho (yellow-eyed) penguin species across New Zealand. This role presents a rewarding opportunity for someone to enact real change for some of the rarest penguin species in the Pacific.

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.