Reports by subject

This is the final report of a project that started with the release of the discussion paper Weaving Resilience into our Working Lands: Future Roles for Native Plants on Private Land in June 2001. The final report addresses; the attitudes and mindsets surrounding native plants on private land; how to manage native plants sustainably; creating wealth with native plants; research and knowledge; and the effect of legislation and institutions.

A discussion paper on how New Zealand can extend and expand native plants on private land to make better the ecological sustainability of land use, increase the economic viability of primary industries, retain the biological diversity of indigenous species, and enhance the 'sense of place'. This paper explores the opportunities for, and barriers to, the expansion of native plants beyond parks and reserves and into working landscapes.

This study explores the interactions between science, regulatory agencies and communities in terms of views about a range of possum biocontrol options, most of which involve genetic engineering, that are currently being researched in New Zealand.

An impossumable dream? This report examines progress on possum control including the use of 1080 and other control methods and the statutory framework for managing the ecological and disease vector effects of possums, and identifies various strategic risks that may continue to have a significant impact on effective possum control in the future.

In 1997 the rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD) was illegally imported into New Zealand as a bio-control. This discussion paper examines the many factors, from 1979-1997, that contributed to this extraordinary breach of biosecurity.

This is the final report of a project that started with the release of the discussion paper Weaving Resilience into our Working Lands: Future Roles for Native Plants on Private Land in June 2001. The final report addresses; the attitudes and mindsets surrounding native plants on private land; how to manage native plants sustainably; creating wealth with native plants; research and knowledge; and the effect of legislation and institutions.

A review of the environmental planning and management carried out to ensure the sustainable development of peri-urban areas in New Zealand. The report highlights the complexity and variety of approaches adopted and seriously questions the adequacy and effectiveness of these in achieving desirable environmental outcomes.

Biosecurity is as strategically important as national security when it comes to protecting New Zealand's key economic and environmental assets. We need to improve our biosecurity system to deal with pests and diseases that are capable of causing damage to New Zealand's unique natural resources and biotic economy.

A follow up report to assess the response by Timberlands West Coast Limited to recommendations made by the Commissioner in a 1995 review of Timberlands draft beech management plans; and to promote informed debate about the future uses of New Zealand native forests. The report focuses on the ecological sustainability of the proposed harvesting regimes.

Tourism is critical to New Zealand's economy and depends to a large extent on environmental qualities. This report highlights the wide range of environmental effects and management problems associated with the industry and makes key recommendations for achieving sustainable tourism.

Examines the challenge of managing amenity values in New Zealand cities where population and housing densities are increasing. Looks at impacts on a range of values including streetscapes, natural and open spaces, city heritage, and traffic, and provides suggestions for improved management.

Our strategic plan for 2003 to 2007 focuses our work to maximise our contribution to environmental sustainability. It was developed through a process of dialogue with key environmental thinkers and practitioners.

July 1999 marked the half way point of the Commissioner's term of office, and it seemed an appropriate time to review the strategic plan. A 'mid-term review' workshop was hosted by the Speaker at Parliament in July 1999. This document summarises the results of the review.

The Commissioner's 5-year strategic plan identifies significant ecosystems and several environmental management systems for investigation. These include the urban environment; the marine environment; conservation management; public participation in resource management; and the provision of information for environmental management, including environmental education and research.

Local energy systems that include microgeneration technologies and energy efficiency measures could save and generate huge amounts of energy in the years ahead. A look at the new technologies and techniques for managing energy services at a local level, and six recommendations to make it happen.

Making New Zealand homes more energy efficient will not only help combat climate change, it will also be good for the health of those who live in them. A look at how energy decisions might impact on the health and well-being of people and communities.

Today's decisions on energy will shape the look of New Zealand for decades to come. This study outlines two scenarios of what New Zealand might look like depending on whether we continue to concentrate on the supply side of electricity, or whether we are prepared to innovate and get more value from the electricity we already produce.

The PCE has developed a framework to assess the environmental performance of New Zealand's electricity sector. Its purpose is to certify that energy services from electricity are provided in an environmentally sustainable manner through ongoing environmental performance assessments of the sector. The Commissioner is particularly keen to see improvements in energy efficiency and demand-side management, greater uptake of new generation technologies, renewables and ditributed generation, and the minimisation of greenhouse gases.

This discussion document is part of a framework the PCE is developing to assess the environmental performance of New Zealand's electricity sector. The purpose of the framework is to certify that energy services from electricity are provided in an environmentally sustainable manner through ongoing environmental performance assessments of New Zealand's electricity sector.

A review of progress made with the implementation of energy efficiency initiatives as a contribution to sustainable development in New Zealand. The report highlights the need for strong Government leadership and partnership with all sectors, particularly industry, business and local government.

Wind power will have a key part to play in a sustainable energy future for New Zealand,, but more care is needed in how we develop it. This extensive overview includes a discussion of the impact of wind farms on valued landscapes, international experience of wind farms, and case studies from Auckland, the Manawatu and Wellington.

Tensions can run high when people differ over what is best for their local environment. This report looks at how communities can work through their differences and come up with outcomes that everyone has a stake in.

The Growing for good report on intensive farming stirred widespread debate when released last October. At eight workshops around New Zealand in February and March 2005, farmers, scientists, and others including agribusiness and local authority representatives met to discuss it.

Growing for good is a major investigation into the sustainability of intensive farming in New Zealand. It examines key trends and the local and global influences on farming, and draws on research and over 150 interviews in outlining a redesign of farming for a sustainable future.

This is the final report of a project that started with the release of the discussion paper Weaving Resilience into our Working Lands: Future Roles for Native Plants on Private Land in June 2001. The final report addresses; the attitudes and mindsets surrounding native plants on private land; how to manage native plants sustainably; creating wealth with native plants; research and knowledge; and the effect of legislation and institutions.

A review of the environmental planning and management carried out to ensure the sustainable development of peri-urban areas in New Zealand. The report highlights the complexity and variety of approaches adopted and seriously questions the adequacy and effectiveness of these in achieving desirable environmental outcomes.

A review of progress on the four recommendations made in Missing links, a 2004 report on ways of forging better links between scientific knowledge, public concerns, and environmental policy making. Uptake of the recommendations has varied, but overall there are positive signs of change. Considerably more progress will be needed, however, to fully implement the intent of Missing links.

A 120-page investigation of how we can best use science to tackle complex environmental issues. Key recommendations include the need for long-term alliances between scientists and environmental policy makers; regular reviews of government's science capacity; and regular reports on the state of our environment. Drawing on international and New Zealand case studies, the report proposes that mediating bodies be used to improve the flow of information between the public, scientists and policy makers.

The purpose of this discussion paper is to explore ways in which environmental policy and decision-making can be effectively supported by science and research to achieve effective environmental management and good outcomes. It lays out the many elements of science, policy and decision-making processes and poses some questions.

A review of the progress of sustainable development in New Zealand, with particular reference to environmental management performance since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The report highlights the opportunities and challenges for the future in maintaining a healthy environment, social well-being and a strong economy.

A summary of submissions made in response to the Commissioner's discussion paper Weaving Resilience into our Working Lands: future roles for native plants on private land (2001). The discussion paper explored how New Zealand can extend and expand native plants on private land to improve the ecological sustainability of land use, increase the economic viability of primary industries, retain the biological diversity of indigenous species, and enhance the 'sense of place'.

A discussion paper on how New Zealand can extend and expand native plants on private land to make better the ecological sustainability of land use, increase the economic viability of primary industries, retain the biological diversity of indigenous species, and enhance the 'sense of place'. This paper explores the opportunities for, and barriers to, the expansion of native plants beyond parks and reserves and into working landscapes.

Land use planning for seismic events and building over active fault lines - key issues regarding the legislation and its implementation by local authorities. Includes topics such as access to geological information; risk assessment and management; regional and district planning; the Building Code and integration between the Building Act 1991 and the Resource Management Act 1991.

An investigation into the significant issues, strategic risks and opportunities that influence the management of New Zealand's marine environment. The report concludes that a major revision of our thinking, policies and legislation is needed to ensure the sustainable future of the oceans and seas around New Zealand.

This investigation examines the environmental implications of agreements made between resource consent applicants and persons having the status of 'affected persons' under the RMA. By enabling applicants to circumvent statutory requirements e.g. public notification, side agreements may result in activities receiving consent without a proper assessment of environmental effects.

Concerns from residents that erosion of foredunes may be caused by commercial sand extraction led to an investigation of compliance monitoring by the regional council. This report highlights issues concerning: royalties processes; difficulties in managing effects at mean high water; the complexity of coastal processes; and the uncertainty surrounding the sustainability of activities such as commercial sand extraction.

How is information used in decision making under the RMA? An investigation of the manner in which information provided by the applicant, the affected parties or submitters and the council is used to make decisions, with specific reference to discharge permit applications.

This investigation arose from a number of concerns raised with the Commissioner regarding the management of vegetation on the North Shore. It focuses on the effectiveness of the council's long term management of urban vegetation.

Examines the challenge of managing amenity values in New Zealand cities where population and housing densities are increasing. Looks at impacts on a range of values including streetscapes, natural and open spaces, city heritage, and traffic, and provides suggestions for improved management.

Tensions can run high when people differ over what is best for their local environment. This report looks at how communities can work through their differences and come up with outcomes that everyone has a stake in.

The strengths and weaknesses of community planning in dealing with complex environmental issues can be seen in this case study of the Coromandel town of Whangamata.

A review of the progress of sustainable development in New Zealand, with particular reference to environmental management performance since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The report highlights the opportunities and challenges for the future in maintaining a healthy environment, social well-being and a strong economy.

A review of the environmental planning and management carried out to ensure the sustainable development of peri-urban areas in New Zealand. The report highlights the complexity and variety of approaches adopted and seriously questions the adequacy and effectiveness of these in achieving desirable environmental outcomes.

A joint study with the Auditor-General, which reviewed the functionality of the unitary authority model of local government, rather than the performance of individual councils. The report examined how unitary authority councils undertook their environmental management responsibilities compared with those of a selection of regional and territorial authorities.

This study revisited an earlier investigation on guidelines for local authority consultation with tangata whenua. The report reviews progress made on tangata whenua involvement in Resource Management Act (RMA) processes and identifies a number of areas for improvement, particularly in the areas of processes followed and relationships between iwi and councils.

Examines the challenge of managing amenity values in New Zealand cities where population and housing densities are increasing. Looks at impacts on a range of values including streetscapes, natural and open spaces, city heritage, and traffic, and provides suggestions for improved management.

Examines the challenge of managing amenity values in New Zealand cities where population and housing densities are increasing. Looks at impacts on a range of values including streetscapes, natural and open spaces, city heritage, and traffic, and provides suggestions for improved management.

This study revisited an earlier investigation on guidelines for local authority consultation with tangata whenua. The report reviews progress made on tangata whenua involvement in Resource Management Act (RMA) processes and identifies a number of areas for improvement, particularly in the areas of processes followed and relationships between iwi and councils.

The strengths and weaknesses of community planning in dealing with complex environmental issues can be seen in this case study of the Coromandel town of Whangamata.

An investigation into the significant issues, strategic risks and opportunities that influence the management of New Zealand's marine environment. The report concludes that a major revision of our thinking, policies and legislation is needed to ensure the sustainable future of the oceans and seas around New Zealand.

Some current and past gold-mining operations in New Zealand have tailings dams that could potentially pollute the surrounding land and water for many years after the mine closes. We do not have the legislative power to require mining licence holders to pay for any monitoring and maintenance of these structures after the mining licence expires.

Using waste as a case study, this report looks at how economic tools such as levies, taxes, credits, subsidies and credit schemes can be used to improve environmental management.

Many of the noise and air pollution problems faced by residents who live alongside Hawke's Bay's main arterial route can be traced to past planning failures. This report has 14 recommendations to deal with the problems.

An investigation into the environmental effects of cruise ships visiting New Zealand waters. The report discusses sources of environmental risk from cruise ships, including those from waste discharges to water and air, biosecurity risks, and maritime accidents. It reviews overseas and local mechanisms for identifying and resolving adverse environmental effects associated with cruise ships.

Land use planning for seismic events and building over active fault lines - key issues regarding the legislation and its implementation by local authorities. Includes topics such as access to geological information; risk assessment and management; regional and district planning; the Building Code and integration between the Building Act 1991 and the Resource Management Act 1991.

The Ministry for the Environment's hazardous waste programme has not achieved its goals within the initial 3-year timeframe for completion. The programme has been extended and the PCE will continue to audit progress.

Some current and past gold-mining operations in New Zealand have tailings dams that could potentially pollute the surrounding land and water for many years after the mine closes. We do not have the legislative power to require mining licence holders to pay for any monitoring and maintenance of these structures after the mining licence expires.

The Growing for good report on intensive farming stirred widespread debate when released last October. At eight workshops around New Zealand in February and March 2005, farmers, scientists, and others including agribusiness and local authority representatives met to discuss it.

This is the final report of a project that started with the release of the discussion paper Weaving Resilience into our Working Lands: Future Roles for Native Plants on Private Land in June 2001. The final report addresses; the attitudes and mindsets surrounding native plants on private land; how to manage native plants sustainably; creating wealth with native plants; research and knowledge; and the effect of legislation and institutions.

A discussion paper on how New Zealand can extend and expand native plants on private land to make better the ecological sustainability of land use, increase the economic viability of primary industries, retain the biological diversity of indigenous species, and enhance the 'sense of place'. This paper explores the opportunities for, and barriers to, the expansion of native plants beyond parks and reserves and into working landscapes.

A follow up report to assess the response by Timberlands West Coast Limited to recommendations made by the Commissioner in a 1995 review of Timberlands draft beech management plans; and to promote informed debate about the future uses of New Zealand native forests. The report focuses on the ecological sustainability of the proposed harvesting regimes.

Tensions can run high when people differ over what is best for their local environment. This report looks at how communities can work through their differences and come up with outcomes that everyone has a stake in.

The purpose of this think-piece is to raise the level of debate about education for sustainability, and to stimulate effective action so that New Zealanders can learn to live in sustainable ways. It highlights how education, in its broadest sense, needs to bring about a 'sea change' (a transformation) for the better. This will require a shift in perception and understanding among many people and organisations in New Zealand today.

This study explores the interactions between science, regulatory agencies and communities in terms of views about a range of possum biocontrol options, most of which involve genetic engineering, that are currently being researched in New Zealand.

In 1997 the rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD) was illegally imported into New Zealand as a bio-control. This discussion paper examines the many factors, from 1979-1997, that contributed to this extraordinary breach of biosecurity.

Local energy systems that include microgeneration technologies and energy efficiency measures could save and generate huge amounts of energy in the years ahead. A look at the new technologies and techniques for managing energy services at a local level, and six recommendations to make it happen.

A summary of submissions made in response to the Commissioner's discussion paper Illuminated or blinded by science? (2003). The discussion paper explored ways in which environmental policy and decision-making can be effectively supported by science and research to achieve effective environmental management and good outcomes. It laid out the many elements of science, policy and decision-making processes and posed some questions.

New Zealand is at a critical point with respect to its ongoing relationship to biotechnology and genetic modification. A look at the last 200 years of science and technology, discussing the need for precaution, the possibility for severe, unintended and irreversible negative impacts on the environment to emerge decades after initial successes, and problems for risk assessment involving complex biological systems.

An impossumable dream? This report examines progress on possum control including the use of 1080 and other control methods and the statutory framework for managing the ecological and disease vector effects of possums, and identifies various strategic risks that may continue to have a significant impact on effective possum control in the future.

In 2007 I reviewed progress on the recommendations that were outlined in our 2004 report See Change. Many positive steps have been taken, and education for sustainability in New Zealand is now in much better shape than before the report was published. However, opportunities remain for further work across all sectors.

Wind power will have a key part to play in a sustainable energy future for New Zealand, but more care is needed in how we develop it. This extensive overview includes a discussion of the impact of wind farms on valued landscapes, international experience of wind farms, and case studies from Auckland, the Manawatu and Wellington.

The purpose of this think-piece is to raise the level of debate about education for sustainability, and to stimulate effective action so that New Zealanders can learn to live in sustainable ways. It highlights how education, in its broadest sense, needs to bring about a 'sea change' (a transformation) for the better. This will require a shift in perception and understanding among many people and organisations in New Zealand today.

On the southern plateau of Brazil one city, Curitiba, has lifted itself out of tough circumstances, by the strength of good design and cohesive political leadership. The results are highly visible and show how to combine a healthy ecology, a vibrant economy and a society that nurtures people.

Low rainfall, very high per capita usage and a heavy reliance on a single source of supply, the Waikanae River, have created a water crisis on the Kapiti Coast. Simple engineering solutions, such as tapping into new and more remote sources of supply, are no longer appropriate - the solutions must meet the public health needs of growing communities, support commercial development and provide for the ecological health of the environment.

A review of the role of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and its contribution to New Zealand's sustainable development goals. The report raises strategic issues to contribute to the debate about achieving better environmental performance.

Overflying aircraft have the potential to adversely affect amenity values in National Parks and other areas that are highly valued for their natural character and tranquillity. Most concerns centre around the noise levels and the effect this has on other users of these areas.

Tourism is critical to New Zealand's economy and depends to a large extent on environmental qualities. This report highlights the wide range of environmental effects and management problems associated with the industry and makes key recommendations for achieving sustainable tourism.

Many of the noise and air pollution problems faced by residents who live alongside Hawke's Bay's main arterial route can be traced to past planning failures. This report has 14 recommendations to deal with the problems.

Examines the challenge of managing amenity values in New Zealand cities where population and housing densities are increasing. Looks at impacts on a range of values including streetscapes, natural and open spaces, city heritage, and traffic, and provides suggestions for improved management.

Examines the challenge of managing amenity values in New Zealand cities where population and housing densities are increasing. Looks at impacts on a range of values including streetscapes, natural and open spaces, city heritage, and traffic, and provides suggestions for improved management.

A review of the progress of sustainable development in New Zealand, with particular reference to environmental management performance since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The report highlights the opportunities and challenges for the future in maintaining a healthy environment, social well-being and a strong economy.

A review of the environmental planning and management carried out to ensure the sustainable development of peri-urban areas in New Zealand. The report highlights the complexity and variety of approaches adopted and seriously questions the adequacy and effectiveness of these in achieving desirable environmental outcomes.

The supply of adequate drinking water and the removal of polluted waters are the two most fundamental needs of towns and cities, and without these services, cities rapidly become uninhabitable. This paper identifies the key social, environmental and economic issues affecting the sustainable management of urban water systems and presents a series of relevant questions to encourage debate.

This investigation arose from a number of concerns raised with the Commissioner regarding the management of vegetation on the North Shore. It focuses on the effectiveness of the council's long term management of urban vegetation.

Examines the challenge of managing amenity values in New Zealand cities where population and housing densities are increasing. Looks at impacts on a range of values including streetscapes, natural and open spaces, city heritage, and traffic, and provides suggestions for improved management.

Some superb work is now underway to restore the Rotorua Lakes. However, bringing the Lakes back to full health will take decades, so robust and enduring structures must be in place to make that happen.

Low rainfall, very high per capita usage and a heavy reliance on a single source of supply, the Waikanae River, have created a water crisis on the Kapiti Coast. Simple engineering solutions, such as tapping into new and more remote sources of supply, are no longer appropriate - the solutions must meet the public health needs of growing communities, support commercial development and provide for the ecological health of the environment.

The supply of adequate drinking water and the removal of polluted waters are the two most fundamental needs of towns and cities, and without these services, cities rapidly become uninhabitable. This paper identifies the key social, environmental and economic issues affecting the sustainable management of urban water systems and presents a series of relevant questions to encourage debate.