Articles tagged with Ministry For The Environment
Investigation and Remediation of Former Endeavour Inlet Mine Site in Marlborough Sounds
1 month ago | 279 viewsThe environmental impacts of the former Endeavour Inlet antimony mine site in Marlborough Sounds are being investigated for remediation, with a two-year project funded equally by the Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Conservation. The investigation will assess contamination risks to soil, water, and ecology, consider sea level rise effects, and inform mitigation and safety measures to protect the surrounding recreational, coastal, and heritage areas. This effort aims to manage risks and preserve the environment for continued public enjoyment of the region.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Tama Potaka Marlborough Sounds Endeavour Inlet Ministry for the Environment Department of Conservation antimony Queen Charlotte Track Picton environmental remediationAoraki/Mount Cook Landfill Cleanup Completed to Protect Park Ecosystems
1 month ago | 431 viewsA $3.32 million remediation project to clean up two former landfill sites near Aoraki/Mount Cook Village has been completed, removing about 2500 cubic metres of waste to prevent contamination of the Hooker River and Lake Pūkaki. The Department of Conservation and the Ministry for the Environment jointly funded the project, which addressed erosion and flooding risks that threatened water quality and ecosystems. The work, supported by the Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund and Environment Canterbury, began in April 2026 and finished in June 2026.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Tama Potaka Department of Conservation Ministry for the Environment Environment Canterbury Hooker River Lake Pūkaki Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund remediation projectGovernment Boosts Marae Resilience with $10M Māori Climate Platform Funding
1 month ago | 361 viewsThe Government’s Māori Climate Platform has allocated over $10 million across Stages 1 and 2 to fund resilience and emergency preparedness upgrades for marae in multiple regions, including solar power and water storage systems. These investments support marae as vital community hubs and refuges during severe weather events and emergencies, ensuring essential services remain operational. Notably, Waiwhetū Marae’s upgrades enable it to function as a Civil Defence hub, exemplifying locally led solutions that enhance community resilience.
Tags: Simon Watts Māori Climate Platform Waiwhetū Marae Kokohinau Marae Uiraroa Marae Kaputahi Marae Te Kauae Marae Korapatu Marae Mirumiru ki Marokopa Marae Ministry for the EnvironmentGovernment Creates New MCERT Ministry to Unite Environment, Housing, and Transport
1 month ago | 327 viewsThe Government has passed legislation to create the new Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), consolidating several agencies including the Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and Ministry of Transport. The Environment (Disestablishment of the Ministry for the Environment) Amendment Bill enables this integration by transferring statutory environmental functions to MCERT’s chief executive, ensuring seamless continuation of environmental responsibilities. This restructuring aims to promote coordinated decision-making that balances environmental protection with economic growth across urban development and infrastructure sectors.
Tags: Chris Bishop Nicola Grigg Ministry for Cities Environment Regions and Transport MCERT Ministry for the Environment Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Ministry of Transport Department of Internal Affairs Environment Act RMA Reform MinisterNew $5.3M Porirua Facility Boosts Construction Waste Reduction and Sustainability
1 month ago | 426 viewsA new $5.3 million construction and demolition waste processing facility has opened in Porirua, supported by government and local councils to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainability. Environment Minister Nicola Grigg highlighted the project as a collaborative effort that will divert waste, lower emissions, and strengthen the local economy. The initiative exemplifies the government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that improves waste management and supports environmental and economic goals.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Porirua Wellington Waste Minimisation Fund Ministry for the Environment Porirua City Council Hutt City Council Kāpiti Coast District Council Waste Co construction and demolition wasteNew Zealand’s Environmental Future: Waste Management, Legislation & Innovation Updates
1 month ago | 376 viewsThe new Minister for the Environment emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing waste management legislation, enhancing recycling systems, and implementing extended producer responsibility schemes to reduce waste and environmental harm while supporting economic growth. Key initiatives include updating the Waste Minimisation Act, improving waste levy allocations, addressing construction and demolition waste, and advancing planning system reforms through the creation of a unified ministry (MCERT) to streamline environmental and infrastructure governance. The Minister highlighted ongoing collaboration with industry sectors like WasteMINZ, acknowledging their vital role in driving practical, innovative solutions for a sustainable and resilient New Zealand.
Tags: Parul Nic WasteMINZ Tyrewise Agrecovery Tāhunanui Beach Peel Forest Selwyn Ministry for the Environment MCERTNew Zealand Launches Assurance Role to Boost Voluntary Nature and Carbon Markets
2 months ago | 491 viewsAssociate Minister Andrew Hoggard announced a government-backed assurance role to boost New Zealand's voluntary nature and carbon markets, providing confidence to investors and landowners through quality signals rather than guarantees. The initiative recognizes high-quality international schemes and introduces a domestic endorsement pathway assessed against internationally aligned principles, enabling private funding for environmental restoration projects. Additionally, the package opens public conservation land to privately funded projects that complement Crown efforts, with applications opening later this year following pilot partnerships with key market participants.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard New Zealand Trees That Count Sanctuary Mountain Pāmu Associate Minister for the Environment Ministry for the Environment carbon markets nature restoration True NatureNew Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport Set to Launch in 2026
4 months ago | 805 viewsThe Government has introduced legislation to create the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), consolidating housing, transport, urban development, and environmental functions into one agency. This involves disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment and transferring its statutory responsibilities to MCERT, which will provide integrated advice to address economic and environmental challenges. MCERT is scheduled to be established by April 2026 and operational by July 2026, with a chief executive appointment forthcoming.
Tags: Chris Bishop Penny Simmonds Ministry for Cities Environment Regions and Transport MCERT Ministry for the Environment Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Ministry of Transport Department of Internal Affairs Environment Act RMA ReformNZ Government Launches $1.2M Support for Recovery After Severe Weather Impact
5 months ago | 813 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon announced initial government support for recovery efforts following severe weather, including temporary housing for around 500 displaced people and $1.2 million in immediate relief funds, with additional funding available from various agencies. The government is prioritizing infrastructure repairs, health and mental support, and reimbursing marae that provided community welfare, while Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell emphasized ongoing assessments and future support. Luxon also appointed Hon Chris Penk as Associate Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery to coordinate the response and advise on a potential independent inquiry into the Mount Maunganui tragedy.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Mark Mitchell Chris Penk Mount Maunganui Welcome Bay Warkworth Natural Hazards Commission New Zealand Transport Agency Ministry for the Environment Ministry of Primary IndustriesNew Zealand Allows Granny Flats Without Building or Resource Consents for Affordable Housing
6 months ago | 827 viewsNew Zealand has removed the need for building and resource consents for granny flats up to 70 square metres, simplifying the process and reducing costs by up to $5,650 and 14 weeks. This change, part of the Coalition Government’s housing reforms, aims to increase affordable and diverse housing options while boosting construction jobs and easing council workloads. Homeowners must ensure their granny flats meet Building Code standards and local council rules, with guidance and templates available from government websites.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Chris Penk New Zealand Coalition Government RMA Reform Building Act National Direction Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Ministry for the EnvironmentNew Zealand Launches National Rural Recycling Scheme for Farm Plastics and Agrichemicals
7 months ago | 677 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 scheme