Commissioner's Introduction
This Statement of Intent sets out the strategic direction for the longer term and the forecast financial statements for the coming year.
My primary focus continues to be on environmental sustainability as a critical factor in assuring New Zealand's future well-being. Global environmental concerns such as climate change and the decline of biodiversity have demonstrated that ecosystem function is the ultimate bottom line in the efforts toward sustainable development.
My priorities for future work have been drawn from consideration of environmental systems at risk, the drivers placing pressure on these systems and the environmental management response.
Statutory mandate and outcome statement
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is an Officer of Parliament appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the House of Representatives. The Environment Act 1986 details the Commissioner's powers and functions.
The purpose of the Commissioner is to independently:
- assess the capability, performance and effectiveness of the New Zealand system of environmental administration
- provide advice and information that will assist managers to maintain and improve the quality of the environment.
The outcome we seek to contribute to is:
- A healthy environment, highly valued by people and managed responsibly for the current and future benefit of all.
In short, we aim to provide independent scrutiny, advocacy and advice for a better environment.
Key roles of the Commissioner
The five key roles are based on the Commissioner's functions in the Environment Act:
- environmental systems guardian
- environmental ombudsman
- information provider, facilitator and catalyst
- environmental management auditor
- advisor to parliamentary select committees
