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.
MPI’s proposals on “Habitats of Significance” misaligned with Fisheries Act
MPI recently sought feedback on its guidelines for “identifying habitats of particular significance” for fisheries management. Facing mounting pressure to address the declining health of coastal environments, MPI has claimed that this initiative is one of several to move Aotearoa New Zealand towards ecosystem-based management (EBM) of its fisheries.
ELI welcomes this end-goal, having made our views on the importance of EBM in Aotearoa’s fisheries known, both in court and in our public policy submissions. But we’re equally concerned that these proposals in their current form are unlikely to get us there. Here’s why.
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.
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.
High Court finds Minister for Oceans and Fisheries must consider wider ecosystem when setting catch limits for fishing
ELI is pleased to announce the success of our first major litigation. The case, “CRA1”, is a judicial review by ELI and Te Uri o Hikihiki hapū, challenging the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Total Allowable Catch (TAC) decision for the Northland Rock Lobster stock in 2021 and 2022. The High Court today released its decision, finding that the 2021 and 2022 total allowable catch decisions for rock lobster in Northland were unlawful, and that the Minister must consider wider ecosystem when setting catch limits for fishing.
ELI takes steps to stop NZTA killing kiwi at Mt Messenger
ELI has requested that the Department of Conservation (DOC) immediately cancel a permit it has issued, which authorises NZTA to kill native species during the building of the Mt Messenger Bypass. DOC's permit (91389-FAU) authorises NZTA to kill 46 species, including north island brown kiwi, short-tailed and long-tailed bats and Archey's frog. Read our full letter to DOC here.
Improving our national plan for shark conservation in Aotearoa - our submission
New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is home to at least 113 species of shark, more than 70 of which have been recorded in NZ’s fisheries. Sharks play an important role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, but face a litany of significant threats, most of which are human induced. Read our submission to FNZ and DOC on their Draft National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks 2022.
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).
Opinion: We need to ask harder questions about the herbicide glyphosate
The Environmental Protection Authority report into the use of glyphosate is open to criticism for presenting scientific information on a par with the opinions of industry. With growing evidence of its negative environmental effects, a reassessment should get the go-ahead
“Managing our Wetlands” and Technical Amendments - ELI’s Submission
Our submission to Ministry for Environment on the 2022 Exposure drafts of the NPS-FM and NES-F: “Managing our Wetlands” and Technical Amendments.
Structural issues and under-resourcing at the heart of DOC’s backlog problems
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is in the process of making targeted amendments to several pieces of conservation legislation, particularly the Conservation Act 1987, the National Parks Act 1980, and the Reserves Act 1977.
In ELI’s view, however, these reforms misdiagnose problems, and overlook the core issues hampering DOC from effectively doing its job. Read our full submission here.