Articles tagged with Environment Minister
New Zealand Launches National Rural Recycling Scheme for Farm Plastics and Agrichemicals
5 hours ago | 29 viewsNew Zealand’s Government has approved regulations for a nationwide rural recycling scheme that consolidates existing agrichemical and farm plastics programs into a single, free-to-use system to support sustainable farming and environmental protection. This industry-led initiative establishes a consistent product stewardship framework, encouraging shared responsibility among producers, sellers, and users to reduce waste and environmental impact while improving productivity. The scheme also extends benefits beyond farming, providing national take-back services for forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and local authorities, promoting safer and cleaner rural communities.
Tags: Penny Simmonds New Zealand Agrecovery Plasback Ministry for the Environment Waste Minimisation Act farmers growers Environment Minister rural recycling schemeEnvironmental Protection Authority Chief Executive Dr. Allan Freeth Acknowledged for Decade of Service; Successor Search Begins
4 weeks ago | 121 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 BoardGovernment Awards $129,000 for Seaweed Removal in Northland After Cyclone Tam
1 month ago | 181 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 IndustriesGovernment Grants $2 Million for Tasman District Flood Recovery
3 months ago | 347 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 fundingNew Law Streamlines Freshwater Farm Plans for NZ Farmers
3 months ago | 403 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.Government Acts to Prevent 'Stop Work' Order for NZ Farmers: RMA Reform Bill Update
3 months ago | 373 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 Bill