Snippets of environmental news from around New Zealand. Read articles from the last month on legislation, climate change, ecology and more.  

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Streamlining the regulatory regime for pest control

The Government is seeking feedback on its proposal to standardise and simplify the regulatory controls on vertebrate toxic agents. In the context of this proposal, vertebrate toxic agents refer to substances used for managing or eradicating vertebrate pests (including pest fish). The consultation document outlines this proposal and includes questions for feedback. 

Submissions close at 5:00pm on Thursday 26 May 2016.

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Business case: Simplifying the regulation of aerial 1080 under the Resource management Act

This business case provides analysis of the regulatory regime for 1080 operational use. Data from the business case has been used to develop the proposal for a section 360(1)(h) regulation under the Resource Management Act. The business case was commissioned by TBfree NZ (a subsidiary of OSPRI NZ) and involved collaboration with regional councils, MPI and DOC. 

Download a copy >

Research paper on comparability of New Zealand’s 2030 climate change target

This paper presents the findings of the Ministry's analysis of how New Zealand’s 2030 climate change target compares to other countries’ targets and the goal of limiting temperature rise below 2°C. The paper was originally completed in May 2015 and served as an input to advice to Ministers for their decisions on the target in June-July 2015. The paper has been updated to incorporate Australia’s 2030 climate change target that was announced subsequent to the original drafting of this paper.

Download a copy >

Next steps for fresh water and Environment Commissioner's response

Dr Jan Wright, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, welcomed the Government’s latest discussion document on water quality, Next Steps for Fresh Water, but called for councils to give priority to the most precious and vulnerable rivers and lakes. She has made five recommendations in her submission on the discussion document.

Read the full media release >

Read Dr Wright’s submission >

Download Next Steps for Fresh Water >

Environment Commissioner's advice on Resource Legislation Amendment Bill

Dr Jan Wright has released her advice to Parliament on the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill. has made six recommendations on the Bill . 

Read the full media release >

Read Dr Wright's submission >

Options for research to enhance national air quality information for environmental reporting

The first air domain report was published in 2014 under the Ministry for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand’s environmental reporting framework. After evaluating the report, the Technical Advisory Group for air domain reporting and other parties suggested improvements to enhance and expand air domain reporting. This report prioritises the improvements and develops high level project plans for some of the improvements. The project plans include literature reviews, method development and modelling, and a mix of campaign and continuous monitoring.

Download a copy >

For those thinking of applying

The CEnvP website provides some useful application tips and advice – these are the things that will help with the processing of your application.  

One of the bits of advice is to take the requirement for continuing professional development seriously. This is probably one of the areas where the more information you can provide as part of your application the better.  

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The following professional development opportunities are coming up. As always, all EIANZ events are available on our website here.

Resource Management Environmental Law Reform Conference   
14 - 15 June 2016
Amora Hotel, Wellington NZ

The 2016 Resource Management and Environmental Law Reform Conference is the only forum this year that will give you a comprehensive, practical understanding of what you need to know as a key stakeholder when enforcing and upholding changes to the Resource Management Act. Hear from industry experts so you can more easily navigate your way through the next phase of RMA reform, reducing the time and effort involved in implementing change.

Find out more or register >

NZAIA Strategic Environmental Assessment in New Zealand: Enhancing Policies and Plans
7-9 December 2016
Lincoln University, Christchurch

This two day conference at Lincoln University will bring together speakers and submitted poster papers to address strategic impact assessment. Examples and case studies will include planning for natural hazards and adverse events, land use change and urbanisation, catchment planing, tourism and iwi plans. A training day and field visit will precede the conference.

Find out more or register >