Articles tagged with Environment
Government Invests $80M+ in Transformative Research for NZ Economy, Health, Environment
5 days ago | 96 viewsThe Government will invest over $80 million in transformative research projects for New Zealand's economy, health, and environment, led by Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti. The funding includes 107 Marsden Fund projects over three years to support established and emerging scientists in innovative research for lasting benefits. The diverse portfolio of funded projects ranges from cancer treatment advancements to geothermal energy utilization, reflecting the commitment to fostering breakthrough discoveries and driving transformative knowledge for New Zealand's future.
Tags: Government research projects New Zealand economy health environment Science Innovation Technology Minister Dr Shane RetiEnvironmental Protection Authority Chief Executive Dr. Allan Freeth Acknowledged for Decade of Service; Successor Search Begins
6 days ago | 70 viewsEnvironment Minister Penny Simmonds expressed gratitude for Dr Allan Freeth's ten years of service as Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), highlighting his leadership in implementing new risk assessment models and enhancing scientific expertise to improve decision-making efficiency. Dr Freeth played a key role in the establishment of the Fast-track process, aligning with the government's objective to facilitate prompt and well-informed decisions supporting New Zealand's development. The EPA Board will now initiate the selection process for a new Chief Executive to continue the organization's mission of providing timely, transparent, and reliable assessments for the benefit of the country and its environment.
Tags: Environment Minister Penny Simmonds Dr Allan Freeth Chief Executive Environmental Protection Authority EPA risk assessment models scientific expertise New Zealand EPA BoardSimplifying Science Funding in New Zealand for Greater Impact
3 weeks ago | 138 viewsDr Shane Reti announced the establishment of Research Funding New Zealand, a single board to simplify science funding decisions in New Zealand based on recommendations from the Science System Advisory Group. The new system aims to reduce complexity and bureaucracy, allowing researchers to focus more on impactful research, innovation, and economic growth. Public investment in science will be redirected towards key areas like the economy, environment, health, and technology, with a phased transition over four years to ensure continuity and minimize disruption.
Tags: Shane Reti New Zealand Science Innovation Technology Funding Research Economy Health EnvironmentGovernment Awards $129,000 for Seaweed Removal in Northland After Cyclone Tam
1 month ago | 136 viewsThe Government awarded $129,000 to Northland Regional Council to assist in removing caulerpa seaweed washed up on beaches after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam in April, using emergency waste funding. Local hapū, volunteers, and council staff swiftly removed over 100 tonnes of the invasive seaweed to prevent harm to coastlines and marine ecosystems. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds commended the efforts and highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Exotic Caulerpa Elimination Project supported by $6.2 million to address the issue at its source.
Tags: Government Northland Regional Council Environment Minister Penny Simmonds emergency waste funding caulerpa seaweed local hapū marine ecosystems Tasman District Council Ministry for Primary IndustriesAttorney-General Judith Collins Announces High Court & Environment Court Appointments in Christchurch, Auckland, & Wellington
1 month ago | 145 viewsAttorney-General Judith Collins announced High Court and Environment Court appointments for Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington. Owen Paulsen, a former Associate High Court Judge, has been appointed as a High Court Judge for Christchurch. Helen Wild, with a background in law firms and public service, has been appointed as an Associate High Court Judge for Auckland, while David Caldwell, a seasoned litigator and mediator, will join the Environment Court in Wellington after serving as a partner in various law firms.
Tags: Judith Collins Owen Paulsen Helen Wild David Caldwell High Court Environment Court Christchurch Auckland Wellington Associate High Court JudgeMinisters Call for Pragmatic Consent Approach from Councils for Rural Growth
1 month ago | 188 viewsThe Ministers for RMA Reform, Agriculture, and the Environment have urged Regional and Unitary Councils to be pragmatic in issuing consents before the new planning system transition. They emphasize the importance of supporting rural producers and unlocking economic growth by being flexible in the consent process. The Government expects councils to exercise discretion, smooth the transition into the new system, and align their behavior to support the future planning system.
Tags: Minister for RMA Reform Minister of Agriculture Minister for the Environment Mr Bishop Mr McClay Ms Simmonds councils consents farmers planning systemNew Bill Boosts Aquaculture Growth Potential, Eases Regulatory Burden
2 months ago | 264 viewsA bill protecting marine farmers from costly consent reviews was passed, aiming to support the aquaculture industry's goal of generating $3 billion in revenue by 2035. The Resource Management Act amendments restrict council reviews of coastal permits until 2030, reducing bureaucratic barriers for industry growth. These changes aim to allow marine farmers to focus on innovation and growth rather than dealing with regulatory red tape and costs.
Tags: Shane Jones aquaculture industry marine farmers Resource Management Act regulatory environment Coalition Government consent reviews marine farm consent conditions coastal permits red tapeGovernment Grants $2 Million for Tasman District Flood Recovery
2 months ago | 311 viewsThe Government has allocated up to $2 million to Tasman District Council for flood recovery efforts, including waste cleanup and infrastructure repairs. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds highlights the challenges faced by the region, particularly in areas like Riwaka and along the Motueka River. The emergency waste funding aims to support councils in managing waste after emergencies and help communities like Tasman towards recovery.
Tags: Government Tasman District Council recovery flooding Environment Minister Penny Simmonds waste cleanup infrastructure repairs silt removal emergency waste fundingPort of Auckland Wharf Expansion Fast-tracked for Economic Growth
2 months ago | 338 viewsInfrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones are pleased that the first Fast-track project, the Port of Auckland wharf expansion, has received approval under the Fast-track Approvals Act. The project includes a new wharf, berth extension, cruise terminal, and other upgrades, with construction set to start next month to create jobs and boost the economy. The Act streamlines the approval process for projects, with expert panels assessing applications and attaching necessary conditions, aiming to drive economic growth and efficiency in critical sectors like Auckland's port infrastructure.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones infrastructure New Zealand economy Environmental Protection Authority Auckland economy legislation expert panel project approvalNew Law Streamlines Freshwater Farm Plans for NZ Farmers
2 months ago | 340 viewsThe Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act, passed into law, has improved the freshwater farm plan system to make it more workable and affordable for farmers, reducing duplication and costs by allowing industry organisations to certify and audit plans. This change recognizes good work done by farmers and industry groups in managing risks, focusing on actual on-farm risks and practical actions to reduce them. The Act increases the minimum farm size requiring a freshwater farm plan to 50 hectares for certain land uses, removing the requirement for around 8,000 smaller, lower-risk farms, supporting environmental stewardship and growth in the primary sector.
Tags: Government freshwater farm plan system Resource Management Act Agriculture Minister Todd McClay Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard industry organisations farm plans environmental stewardship growth RMA.2025 Conservation Board and NZCA Appointments: Strengthening Environmental Efforts in New Zealand
2 months ago | 399 viewsThe latest appointments to New Zealand's 15 Conservation Boards aim to enhance environmental efforts in the country. Minister for Conservation Tama Potaka announced a total of 145 appointments, including 21 reappointments, 37 new appointments, and 87 continuing members, focusing on diversity and community representation. Additionally, two reappointments and four new appointments were confirmed for the New Zealand Conservation Authority to provide strategic policy advice for conservation efforts in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Tags: Conservation Board Conservation Authority Tama Potaka New Zealand Aotearoa Department of Conservation DOC appointments environmental efforts community interestsNew Zealand's Biodiversity Research Centre: Future-Proofing Natural History and Creating Jobs
2 months ago | 347 viewsThe Government is investing in a new Biodiversity Research Centre in Upper Hutt to replace the earthquake-prone and inadequate Tory Street facility, preserving Te Papa’s natural history collection of over 860,000 specimens. The project, costing $155.4 million, is part of a $6 billion infrastructure initiative and will create construction jobs for over 2,000 people, with completion expected by March 2028. The collection transfer and decommissioning of the current facility are scheduled to be completed by April 2029.
Tags: Government Biodiversity Research Centre New Zealand Paul Goldsmith Te Papa infrastructure projects natural history construction jobs environmental science scientific researchGovernment Acts to Prevent 'Stop Work' Order for NZ Farmers: RMA Reform Bill Update
3 months ago | 322 viewsThe Government has intervened to prevent potential stop work notices for thousands of New Zealand farmers due to water discharge rules under the RMA, affecting 2,800 Waikato farms. Various regional councils raised concerns, leading to amendments broadening permitted water discharges in the Resource Management Amendment Bill. The changes aim to support farmers, ensure water quality improvement, and avoid hindering economic recovery, with the bill set to pass into law soon.
Tags: Chris Bishop Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Government New Zealand farmers RMA Reform Minister Agriculture Minister Associate Environment Minister Waikato Regional Council Resource Management Amendment BillFiordland Marine Guardians Strengthened with New Appointment and Reappointments
3 months ago | 369 viewsActing Environment Minister Tama Potaka announces the appointment of Murray Willans to the Fiordland Marine Guardians, highlighting his expertise and valuable contributions. Additionally, Dr. Rebecca McLeod and four other existing Guardians are reappointed, providing continuity and diverse knowledge to the advisory group. The Guardians advise on the integrated management of the Fiordland Marine Area, with members bringing various backgrounds and skills to safeguard the environment.
Tags: Fiordland Marine Guardian Tama Potaka Murray Willans Dr Rebecca McLeod Stewart Bull Mark Peychers Gavin Tayles John Cushen environment marine managementNew Zealand's Fast-track Approvals System Boosts Economic Growth with Streamlined Project Processes
3 months ago | 1146 viewsThe Fast-track Approvals system, established six months ago, aims to streamline project approvals in New Zealand for economic growth. The system allows for expedited processing of project applications through expert panels, with over 50 projects applying so far. Additional projects can be referred into the process, with decisions expected on key projects by the end of the year.
Tags: New Zealand RMA Reform Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop Regional Development Minister Shane Jones Expert Panels Panel Convenor Project referrals Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Artificial Intelligence Data Centre.