What's New Archive
This page that will record all items that have been on the What's New home page from January 2007 - added by Calendar Month.
March 2008
1. Household Sustainability Benchmark Survey - 20 March 2008
The Ministry for the Environment's Household Sustainability Benchmark Survey was released in February. The survey of 1000 respondents looked at New Zealanders' attitudes and actions towards sustainability. Read more... (1.2Mb pdf file).
2. Urban Living Guide - 17 March 2008
The Urban Living Guide, published by Gecko, Victoria University’s Environmental Group, is a free guide to living more sustainably in the city, aimed primarily at young people living on a budget. Read more...
3. Position Vacancy: Personal Assistant/Research Analyst - 17 March 2008
Sustainable Future are looking to employ a research analyst who is keen to work within a small team and be responsible for a number of varied tasks. This is a full time position on a six month contract based at our Wellington office. Read more...
4. Proposed release of GE vaccine will be protested - Greens - 14 March 2008
News that there may soon be an application for the first live GE vaccine to be released in New Zealand will test the stringency of the law and its processes, the Green Party says. Read more...
5. Futures Thinking Aotearoa Forum Presentation - 26 February 2008
Futures Thinking Aotearoa Forum, Wellington, 26 February 2008: Wendy McGuinness and members of the Sustainable Future team presented: Project 2058: Helping build a sustainable future (1.4Mb pdf)
6. Innovation Fund for solar water heating and heat pump water heaters - 27 February 2008
A contestable fund to provide support for the growth and development of solar water heating and heat pump water heaters is available. Grants of up to 50% of the cost of a project are available with a maximum of $100,000 for each grant. The second request for proposal opens on 3 March and closes on 11 April 2008. Read more...
7. State of Green Business 2008 - 27 February 2008
In this landmark report, Joel Makower and the editors of GreenBiz.com answer the question: How are U.S. businesses doing in their quest to be greener and more environmentally responsible? It introduces the GreenBiz Index, a set of 20 indicators of progress, tracking the resource use, emissions, and business practices of U.S. companies: carbon, materials, energy, toxics intensity, clean-tech investments, e-waste recovery, paper use and employee commuting, (1.8Mb pdf) Read more...
February 2008
1. Workshop Summary for a Scoping Report on Environmental Assessment of the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme - 21 February 2008
The Emissions Trading Group has contracted a team of consultants to scope an environmental assessment of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS). The scoping study will identify potential environmental effects of the NZ ETS and closely related measures at a high level, identify potential response measures, and develop terms of reference for further work. Read more...
2. Anti-bomb activist slams Australian 'hypocrites' - 21 February 2008
Nobel Peace Prize winner and anti-landmine campaigner Jody Williams has attacked the Australian Government as "hypocrites" for frustrating attempts to ban cluster bombs. Read more...
3. Land Mines and Cluster Bombs - 21 February 2008
Visit our new What Can I Do? page on Land Mines and Cluster Bombs. Read more...
5. Ministry stands by decision to drop conclusion chapter - 11 February 2008
The Ministry for the Environment is releasing the draft conclusions chapter of the state of the environment report Environment New Zealand 2007 to provide transparency around its content. Read more...
6. Greens release secret 13th chapter of enviro report; call for independent oversight of future reports - 10 February 2008
The Green Party today revealed the existence of a damning unpublished thirteenth chapter to the state of the environment report released by the government ten days ago. Read more...
7. Celebrity chefs cook up a storm - 5 February 2008
Celebrity chefs are the new heroes. These trusted and treasured figures of domestic comfort are now cashing in their collateral to become the conscience of our generation and advocates for improved health, welfare and lifestyle. Read more from our Roving Reporter in London...
8. Environment New Zealand 2007 - 1 February 2008
This report is the second national-level state of New Zealand’s environment report. It takes the pulse of the physical well-being of New Zealand’s land, water, air, plants and animals and measures the impact of transport, energy, waste, and our consumption on the environment. It identifies trends in and selected pressures on our natural resources. Read more...
9. Future Focus - Signposts to Success for New Zealand Primary Industries - 31 January 2008
What are the strategic risks and opportunities facing New Zealand’s primary industries over the next 10-15 years? In 2007 the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) conducted a strategic foresight project that aimed to address this question. Using a global scenario database,1 the project set out to identify the external drivers likely to impact on the agriculture, food and forestry sectors, and in the biosecurity setting, over the next two decades. Read more...
10. Project 2008 - Making New Zealand 'Fit for Purpose' - 17 December 2007
In order to keep a distinction but recognise the relationship between short and long-term thinking, we have provided a list of initiatives for consideration by Members of Parliament, policy analysts, non-government organisations and others interested in making New Zealand 'fit for purpose'. Read more...
January 2008
1. New Roving Reporter
We've added a UK correspondent to our Roving Reporters page. Alex has some interesting observations about a Green Christmas in London. Read more...
2. National Sustainable Development Strategy Bill in Canadian Government
The Liberal Environmental Caucus Chair in the Canadian government introduced a National Sustainable Development Act (C-474) in the House of Commons as a private member's bill. Read the bill and more about it...
3. SOEs to Report on Corporate Social Responsibility
The government has announced a formalised framework for Corporate Social Responsibility which will apply to all State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and will be monitored and measured against targets, just like financial performance. Read More...
December 2007
1. Climate Action Festival, Civic Square Wellington, 8 December 2007
Come on down to the Climate Action Festival in Civic Square this Saturday from 12 - 7pm. Not only can you find out how to leave a lighter footprint on our earth, but you can also hang out in the sun and check out the great live line-up (Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, Ryan Prebble, The Offbeats, Axle of Evis and more) and the range of stalls. Read more...
2. Call for Participants - Young Scientists Networking Workshops, New Zealand, 10 – 20 March 2008
International Networking for Young Scientists (INYS) is a British Council and Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua initiative bringing together young researchers from the UK and other countries to make new contacts and promote the creative exchange of ideas through short workshops.
Registration closes on 6 December so be quick for this one. Read more...
3. The NZ Forest Accord and Climate Change
The Forest Accord was a landmark document when it was signed in 1990, putting an end to years of hostility between conservationists and foresters. It has now been updated for 2007 to include Climate Change and is to be signed again in the near future by various conservation groups and the forest industry. Read More...
4. NZI Sustainability Products
With NZI's new sustainability benefits covering your home, contents and vehicles, you'll save money with energy-efficient products and be rewarded for looking after the environment. Read More...
November 2007
1. Sustainable Habitat Challenge | Wellington Info Sessions - 6 & 7 November
In early 2008 the Otago Polytechnic will be launching SHaC 09 (or the Sustainable Habitat Challenge) to tertiary organisations around New Zealand. The Challenge for Wellington-based teams will be to build a high impact home that creates little impact on the planet. Read More...
2. UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development NZ Forum - 7 November 2007
This national UNDESD strategy forum will be attended by 100 invited guests representing central and local government, education, business, culture, youth, research and NGOs. The forum objective is to identify four or five priority targets (deliverables) for the Decade (with matching indicators) and to finalise a concrete action plan. The Forum will build on the earlier work of the UNDESD Coordinating Committee, as well as last year's UNDESD stakeholders' forum. Venue: Fale Pasifika,The University of Auckland. See also our Education for Sustainable Development page.
3. Sustainable Business Network Awards - Announced 25 October 2007
The National Sustainable Business Network Awards were recently held in Auckland. Design Mobel, a Tauranga-based bed designer and manufacturer, came away with the top award. Sustainable Future congratulates their team, the businesses that won the individual categories and all those that entered the awards. We also wish to acknowledge the amazing work of the Sustainable Business Network. For more information see SBN’s website.
4. The 42 Collective: a new Wellington-based NGO and network
The 42collective is a not-for-profit organisation based in Wellington, New Zealand, which aims to simplify and encourage the shift towards lifestyles that enhance personal wellbeing, maximise resource and energy efficiency and minimise harm to people and the environment - less-cost lifestyles. Read more...
5. Ministry for the Environment Talk Environment Roadshow - 17 October to 2 November (19 locations)
Open to everyone with an interest in the environment.
October 2007
1. Our first Project 2058 reports are out.
See www.2058.net.nz
2. World Environment Day 2008 to be hosted by NZ - Announced 1 October 2007
New Zealand, one of the first countries to pledge a carbon-neutral future, will be the main host of World Environment Day 2008. The focus of the global 2008 celebrations hosted in New Zealand will be on the solutions and the opportunities for countries, companies and communities to "Kick the habit" and de-carbonize their economies and life-styles. See last World Environment Day 5 June 2007.
September 2007
1. Buy Kiwi Made Campaign - 20 August
Buy Kiwi Made is a Government campaign aimed at promoting consumer and retailer awareness of Kiwi made products and encouraging domestic manufacturers to label their goods New Zealand made.
Ms Sue Bradford launched the consumer media campaign at the Beehive on 20 August. Her speech detailed the different media which will be employed over the coming months, including hinting at some exciting television "...using great New Zealand talent and some hot off the press Kiwi music."
2. Speech to NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants, Sustainability Working Group AGM - 18 September
Please find the link to Jeanette Fitzsimons' speech.
3. Our Submission on the Electoral Finance Bill
Submissions closed on Friday, 7 September 2007, but you can still write or visit your MP. See also our written submission, our oral submission, our background paper on the timeline and our background paper reviewing of the first reading in the House.
August 2007
1. New Zealand Chartered Institute's 2007 Annual Report Awards (Sustainability)
We congratulate the winners of The New Zealand Chartered Institute's 2007 Annual Report Awards:
- IAG NZ Limited and Sanford Limited, Joint winners of Best Sustainability Reporting by a Corporate
- Watercare Services Ltd winners of Best Sustainability Reporting by a Crown or Local Authority and,
- Youth Hostels Association of New Zealand Inc. winners of Best Sustainability Reporting by a Service Organisation/Volunteer Sector
2. Reports from the Office of the Auditor General - 28 June
July 2007
1. Reith Lecture 5: Global Politics in a Complex Age - 9 May
Jeffrey Sachs speaking about Global Politics in a Complex Age.
2. Next Magazine: Green Issue - July
Congratulations to Susannah Walker (and her team) for publishing their first Green Issue.
3. Advancing Sustainability Podcast feed from Radio New Zealand.
Currently the link has coverage of the PCE20 discussions: Advancing Environmental Sustainability. Note: Podcasts allow you to download audio from a Radio programme and listen to it at your own leisure.
4. Register your interest - 2007 Corporate Responsibility Index
Australian and New Zealand companies are invited to participate in the 2007 Corporate Responsibility Index, which will be launched in September 2007. Register your interest in participating. View the Index timeline.
June 2007
1. Mapping the Future of Environmental Research - 5 June 2007
The Map has been prepared by the Ministry of Research Science and Technology to mark World Environment Day 5 June 2007. World Environment Day is commemorated each year on 5 June and is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. In 2006, more than 100 countries reported thousands of activities, not only on WED itself, but often for an entire week, and sometimes even a whole month.
May 2007
1. Report on New Zealand Carbon Emissions show increase - Summary Pub 4 May 2007
New Zealand’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990-2005 was submitted on 4 May 2007 to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC). The inventory is compiled annually by the Ministry for the Environment with input from relevant agencies as a requirement of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. The inventory collects information on man-made (anthropogenic) greenhouse gas emissions to provide a snapshot of New Zealand’s emissions by sector, as well as the removal of greenhouses gases by sinks (eg, trees).
|
Year |
Absolute change in emissions from 1990 (mega tonnes) (Mt) |
Total emissions |
Energy |
Industrial Processes |
Solvents |
Figure 1: Trend in New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions for different sectors from 1990 to 2005
Agriculture |
Waste |
|
1990 |
0.00 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
1991 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.0 |
-0.2 |
0.0 |
|
1992 |
2.1 |
2.0 |
0.4 |
0.0 |
-0.3 |
0.0 |
|
1993 |
1.7 |
1.3 |
0.3 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
1994 |
2.1 |
1.6 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.6 |
0.0 |
|
1995 |
2.6 |
1.4 |
0.1 |
0.0 |
1.2 |
-0.2 |
|
1996 |
4.3 |
2.5 |
0.3 |
0.0 |
1.7 |
-0.2 |
|
1997 |
6.5 |
4.9 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
1.8 |
-0.2 |
|
1998 |
5.5 |
3.5 |
0.3 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
-0.3 |
|
1999 |
7.2 |
4.8 |
0.4 |
0.0 |
2.4 |
-0.4 |
|
2000 |
8.4 |
5.3 |
0.3 |
0.0 |
3.2 |
-0.4 |
|
2001 |
11.2 |
7.3 |
0.6 |
0.0 |
3.8 |
-0.4 |
|
2002 |
11.7 |
7.3 |
0.8 |
0.0 |
4.2 |
-0.5 |
|
2003 |
13.8 |
8.9 |
1.1 |
0.0 |
4.4 |
-0.5 |
|
2004 |
13.2 |
8.1 |
0.9 |
0.0 |
4.8 |
-0.6 |
|
2005 |
15.3 |
9.9 |
1.0 |
0.0 |
4.9 |
-0.6 |
A summary of the inventory report will be available on this MfE website shortly. Here are important key facts identified by MfE:
- Total greenhouse gas emissions in 2005 were 77.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (Mt CO2-e). Total emissions have increased 15.3 Mt CO2-e (24.7 per cent) over the 1990 level of 61.9 Mt CO2-e (refer Figure 1). The increase between 2004 and 2005 was 2.1 Mt CO2-e (2.8 per cent).
- For 2005 the largest single source of emissions was methane from enteric fermentation of ruminant animals (31.0 per cent of total emissions). Carbon dioxide from road transport is the next biggest source contributing 16.4 per cent of total emissions (total transport contributed 18.4 per cent of total emissions).
- 37.4 Mt or 48.5% per cent of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions are produced by the agriculture sector (methane and nitrous oxide) and 33.5 Mt (43.4 per cent) from the energy (electricity and transport) sector (carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane). Emissions from the industrial processes, solvents and waste sectors are a much smaller component of New Zealand's inventory comprising 4.3 Mt (5.6 per cent), 0.05 Mt (0.1 per cent) and 1.8 Mt (2.4 per cent) respectively.
- The increase in emissions from 2004 to 2005 is the result of the change in proportion of fossil fuels used in electricity generation each year. In 2004 hydro storage levels were adequate and there was less reliance on fossil fuel-based thermal generation to meet electricity demand. For several months in 2005 water storage in hydro lakes was below average. More coal was used in the thermal generation plants to conserve hydro lake storage.
- The variation in emissions from year to year is clearly shown in Figure 1. The annual average growth in emissions is 1.4 per cent.
The Government has admitted it is unlikely to hit its Kyoto targets - a failure that was estimated in 2006 to cost taxpayers about $500 million in 2012, the deadline for making up the shortfall. But National Party Climate Change spokesman Hon Dr Nick Smith said, as reported in the Dominion Post (4 May 2007), that the likely cost was closer to $2 billion, as emissions kept rising. Also, you may like to review the Dec 2006 publication of the MED Revised Greenhouse Gas 1990-2005 Report.
Our Comment
The fact that a New Zealand report (4 May above) states Greenhouse emissions have increased 2.8% between 2004-2005 at the same time the United Nations Working Group III IPCC report (4 May above) tells us how we can mitigate emissions, is timely - but the real question is what we are going to do about it. I have summarised the key points from both reports below. In our view, we urgently require a comprehensive, integrated and measurable strategy signed off by a Minister to mitigate carbon emissions.
As part of our Project 2058, we have only been able to identify a June 2006 report, Climate Change Solutions as a potential central government strategy. We consider this is not a major central government strategy, as it does not contain a foreword signed by a Minister or Associate Minister of the Crown, nor is it comprehensive, integrated or measurable. Sustainable Future have concerns about New Zealand's ability to provide an overall strategy, particularly considering the lack of information, integration and completeness contained in the recent five energy and climate change discussion documents. We hope that the resulting public consultation process, which closed on 30 March 2007, will deliver a central government strategy that focuses on reducing emissions that is comprehensive, integrated and measurable.
2. Third United Nations report on Climate Change - Released on 4 May 07 in Bangkok
The United Nations Working Group III IPCC Report "Mitigation of Climate Change" by international climate change experts said that fighting global warming was affordable and technology was available to slow the growth in greenhouse gas emissions and stave off climate chaos. The technology included nuclear, solar and wind power, more energy-efficient buildings and lighting. Capturing and storing carbon dioxide spewed from coal-fired power stations and oil and gas rigs is also feasible. The report is the third to be released this year by the UN panel, which draws on the work of 2500 scientists. The previous reports painted a grim future of human-induced global warming causing more hunger, droughts, heatwaves and rising sea levels.
Key points from the Presentation by the co-chairs include;
- Between1970 and 2004 global greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 70 %
- Carbon dioxide is the largest contributor
- With current climate change mitigation policies and related sustainable development practices, global GHG emissions will continue to grow over the next few decades
- Substantial economic potential for the mitigation of global GHG emissions over the coming decades
- How to reduce emissions?
|
Sector |
Key mitigation technologies and practices currently commercially available |
|
Energy Supply |
efficiency; fuel switching; nuclear power; renewable (hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal and bioenergy); combined heat and power; CCS (e.g. storage of removed CO2from natural gas) |
|
Transport |
More fuel efficient vehicles; hybrid vehicles; biofuels; modal shifts from road transport to rail and public transport systems; cycling, walking; land-use planning |
|
Buildings |
Efficient lighting; efficient appliances and airco; improved insulation ; solar heating and cooling; alternatives for fluorinated gases |
|
Industry |
More efficient electrical equipment; heat and power recovery; material recycling; control of non-CO2gas emissions; |
|
Agriculture |
increase soil carbon storage; restoration degraded lands; improved rice cultivation techniques; improved nitrogen fertilizer application; dedicated energy crops; |
|
Forests |
Afforestation; reforestation; forest management; reduced deforestation; use of forestry products for bioenergy |
|
Waste |
Landfill methane recovery; waste incineration with energy recovery; composting; recycling and waste minimization |
- Policies to realize mitigation of climate change
- Integrating climate policies in broader development policies
- Regulations and standards
- Taxes and charges
- Tradable permits
- Financial incentives
- Voluntary agreements
- Information instruments
- Research and development.
- Government support through financial contributions, tax credits, standard setting and market creation is important for effective technology development, innovation and deployment.
- Making development more sustainable by changing development paths can make a major contribution to climate change mitigation, but implementation may require resources to overcome multiple barriers.
- Growing understanding of the possibilities to choose and implement mitigation options to realise synergies and avoid conflicts with other dimensions of sustainable development.
April 2007
1. OECD Releases New Zealand Environmental Performance Review , 5 April 2007
This report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) compares the measures New Zealand has taken since the last review in 1996 'relative to its established domestic objectives and international commitments regarding the environment and sustainable development'. The conclusions and recommendations are free to download, and the full report is available to purchase through the OECD website.
March 2007
1. Permanent Forest Sink Initiative Consultation Document Released, Due 14 May 2007
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) today released a consultation document, The Permanent Forest Sink Initiative: A consultation document on the proposed regulations, cost recovery methods and forest sink covenant. More information can be found on MAF's website, and in the current issue of PFSI Bulletin.
2. Five Major Energy Submissions, Due 30th March 2007
Please find attached Sustainable Future's response to the five submissions.
Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in New Zealand Post - 2012; Ministry for the Environment
- Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change; Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
- Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy; Ministry of Economic Development
- Transitional Measures- Options to Move Towards Low Emissions Electricity and Stationary Energy Supply and to Facilitate a Transition to Greenhouse Gas Pricing in the Future; Ministry of Economic Development
- Draft New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy; Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.
3. Two Year Research Project, Launched 1 March 2007
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, we at Sustainable Future have launched a new website for our research project, Project 2058. Check out the website: www.2058.net.nz. Congratulations to the PCE for facilitating a timely and comprehensive dialogue on the 1st and 2nd of March at the PCE20 Forum. The team at Sustainable Future have collated a list of observations, thoughts and ideas from attending the event. Radio New Zealand National will be broadcasting highlights of the event from 26th May this year.
4. The Outlook for Someday: a sustainability film challenge for young New Zealanders, Launched 6 March 2007
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment announced a film challenge for New Zealanders under the age of 20. The brief is as follows: to create a short film about how you see the future unfolding. Look at your world through a lens of sustainability. Give your personal take on what matters to you, focused on the future. More details are available here or on the PCE website.
February 2007
1. Wa$ted, 20 February 2007
TV3 is launching a new reality television series at 8pm tonight called Wa$ted: "From worm farms to rainwater butts and from solar power to heat pumps, the Wa$ted team take your average household of eco horrors and turn it into a clean green haven, saving families serious cash in the process." See www.wastedtv.co.nz.
2. Buy Kiwi Made Regional Sector Initiatives Fund, 16 February 2007
The first Funding Round will close on March 2, and a total of $3 million (excluding GST) is being made available through the fund. There are expected to be two more funding rounds, in October 2007 and March 2008. For more information please visit the Ministry of Economic Development site.
3. RT Hon Helen Clark's Statement at the opening of Parliament 2007, 13 February 2007
"I believe that in the years to come, the pride we take in our quest for sustainability and carbon neutrality will define our nation, just as our quest for a nuclear free world has over the past twenty three years." Read RT Hon Helen Clark's full speech.
4. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2 February 2007
IPCC has been established by WMO and UNEP to assess scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant for the understanding of climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation. It has just produced its forth assessment report: Summary for Policy Makers - Climate Change 2007.
January 2007
1. Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Sustainability Review Background Papers, 29 January 2007
These papers cover a range of topics, from measuring wealth in New Zealand, to biodiversity, to sustainable development and reporting. This page is updated monthly so keep an eye out for new reports, or subscribe to the PCE mailing list for new developments. www.pce.govt.nz/projects/COF2background_papers.shtml.
2. A New Greenpeace Global Energy Report has been published, 25 January 2007
Titled Energy [R]Evolution: a sustainable world energy outlook, the report covers the potential for a global warming turnaround realistically, yet stresses the urgency for action. A memorable statistic from the executive summary: "the reserves of renewable energy that are technically accessible globally are large enough to provide about six times more power than the world currently consumes - forever."
Before January 2007
Top picks include:
-
12 December 2006: Hon David Parker has released the New Zealand Draft Energy Strategy titled Powering Our Future: Towards a Sustainable Low Emissions Energy System - Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050 for review. More information can be found here on the Ministry of Economic Development website.
- 28 October 2006 : Helen Clark's address at the 2006 Labour Party Conference "I believe that sustainability will be a core value in 21st century social democracy", speech notes available here.
- 13 October 2006 : Sustainable Business Network Video have released a short doco (duration: 8 mins) asking people in the street what they think of sustainability and what New Zealand should be developing and preserving for our nation's future. The video is available on www.scoop.co.nz
- 22 May 2006 : A World Conservation Union Report The Future of Sustainability: rethinking environment and development in the 21st Century, by W. M. Adams, is available. It is the Report from the IUCN Renowned Thinkers Meeting in January 2006. April 2006 : The New Zealand Treasury has published the report "STATEMENT OF INTENT 2006 - 2009". This report was presented to the House of Representatives Pursuant to Section 39 of the Public Finance Act, and is available here in pdf format.
-
March 2006 : Letter from David Benson-Pope to Sustainable Future The History and Rationale for the Programme of Action
-
-
April 2005 : OECD Environmental Performance Review of NZ. The MfE information sheet outlines the nature and process of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) 2005/06 review of New Zealand's environmental performance. The review is designed to help OECD member countries to improve their individual and collective performances in environmental management with the goal of achieving sustainable development. The OECD has been undertaking environmental reviews of its member countries since 1992. The first cycle of reviews was completed in 2000, with New Zealand getting its first review in 1995/96. The OECD has now begun the second cycle of reviews aimed at promoting sustainable development. The emphasis of the review is on implementation of domestic and international environmental policy, as well as on the integration of economic, social and environmental decision making.
Last Updated: June 2007
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