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Useful links

There are many useful websites related to the environment and environmental management in New Zealand and internationally. See below for:

New Zealand government websites

The website www.beehive.govt.nz is the official website of the New Zealand Government. It provides access to media releases, speeches and other information.

Ministers

Central government departments

  • Ministry for the Environment: The Ministry is the Government's principal adviser on the environment in New Zealand and on international matters that affect the environment.
    The Ministry for the Environment also manages the following websites:
    • Quality Planning: This website provides guidance and promotes best practice in developing regional and district plans under the Resource Management Act (1991) and resource consent processing.
    • Climate Change Solutions: This website has information about the causes of, the evidence for and the effects of climate change. It describes the actions being taken to reduce emissions and the work being done to help people prepare for and adapt to climate change.
  • Department of Conservation (DOC) has the responsibility for conserving the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future New Zealanders.
  • Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is home to a range of services supporting government, communities and citizenship.
  • Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is a Crown entity that promotes energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy across all sectors of the economy.
  • Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) controls the introduction to New Zealand of new hazardous substances and new plants and animals, including genetically modified organisms.
  • Ministry of Economic Development (MED) facilitates, leads and implements the Government's vision for economic development in New Zealand.
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) advises on agricultural and forestry issues, the rules that ensure food products are safe to eat, and minimising the foreign pests and diseases entering or establishing in New Zealand.
  • Ministry of Fisheries (MFish) main purpose is to ensure that fisheries are sustainably used within a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is responsible for international relations, including New Zealand's involvement with international environmental conferences and agreements.
  • Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MORST) focuses on four key goal areas for research and innovation: knowledge, economic, social and environmental. The website also provides links to Crown research institutes and other research organisations in New Zealand.
  • Ministry of Transport (MOT) is working for transport that meets the current and future needs of New Zealand, is accessible, efficient and safe for people and our environment.

Local government

Other government websites

  • The Environment Court deals with cases under the Resource Management Act 1991 such as references about the contents of regional and district statements and plans, and appeals arising out of applications for resource consent.
  • The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) is an independent Officer of Parliament who reviews and provides advice on environmental issues and the system of agencies and processes established by the Government to manage the environment.
  • The Treaty of Waitangi website has information on the Treaty's history, different Treaty texts, key people, a Treaty timeline, journey of the Treaty (where it went to for signature) and settlement of Treaty claims.
  • newzealand.govt.nz provides an overview of New Zealand and its government, access to government services information and employment opportunities, as well as government agency contact details.
  • The website www.legislation.govt.nz provides public access to unofficial versions of New Zealand legislation and statutory regulations.

Non-government New Zealand websites

  • Envirolink is designed to help the general public and other professionals to find environmental resources.
  • New Zealand Historic Places Trust: Pouhere Taonga is the leading agency for the protection of culturally and historically significant sites and buildings in New Zealand.
  • The RMA Link project provides an information directory to assist communities, tangata whenua, citizen groups and individuals participate in Resource Management Act processes.

International websites

  • The Environment Protection and Heritage Council ensures the protection of Australia's environment and heritage. It incorporates members from Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea and provides information on National Environment Protection Measures and natural, indigenous and historic heritage issues.
  • The United Nations Environment Programme works to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices everywhere.

Last updated: 1 October 2009

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Environmental Protection Authority launched

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) that opens today marks a new era in managing New Zealand's natural resources.
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