Environmental Commissioner Calls for Integrated Approach in Annual Report [2024]
New Zealand's Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Rt Hon Simon Upton, has released his annual report for the year ended 30 June 2024, highlighting significant environmental challenges and the need for better data and integrated approaches to land management.
The report, presented to Parliament, outlines the Commissioner's work over the past year, including five major investigations covering topics from emissions reduction planning to freshwater modelling. A key focus has been on land use change and environmental regulation, culminating in the "Going with the grain" report released in May 2024.
"We must take an integrated approach to environmental management, which is focused on the catchment rather than one-size-fits-all national regulation," said Commissioner Upton. "This will make it easier to understand how environmental policies on water, climate and biodiversity interact."
The report also emphasises the importance of high-quality environmental information and the need to rethink roles in decision-making. "Central government must enable farmers and regulators to have access to inexpensive, high-quality environmental information and underwrite it as a public good," Upton stated.
The Commissioner's office has been actively engaged in providing advice on legislative changes, including submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill and other environmental reforms. The report notes, "Under the coalition Government, environmental management and regulation is undergoing significant change. Many of the Government's reforms have the potential to fundamentally change how we manage New Zealand's environment. It is my task to inform Parliament's consideration of these changes."
The report reveals that the office received 95 public concerns on environmental matters in the past year, up from 52 in the previous year. Topics raised included air quality, microplastics, and Resource Management Act reform.
In our first CoLab AI “Deep Dive” podcast episode, two presenters (Susie and Joe) discuss the implications of the Commissioner's annual report for New Zealand's environmental management.
They highlight both positive and negative trends, noting that while air quality is improving slightly in some areas and some waterways are showing signs of improvement, overall environmental indicators are concerning.
Susie emphasises the gravity of the situation: "Greenhouse gas emissions are up a staggering 14% since 1990. And it's not the only thing. We've also lost about 90% of our wetlands in the last 150 years."
The podcast discusses the Commissioner's focus on data and technology as crucial tools for environmental management. As John explains, "If we want to turn things around, we need to base our decisions on solid evidence. And that's where data comes in. It's not just about collecting more data, though. It's about making that data work for us."
They explore the concept of "going with the grain" in land management, which involves tailoring approaches to specific catchments. The presenters examine two case studies from the report, one in Northland and another in Southland, highlighting the complexities of balancing different environmental needs.
The discussion also touches on the evolving role of planners in this new data-driven approach to environmental management. As Susie notes, "With the right information at their fingertips, planners can become environmental strategists. They can identify potential risks and come up with creative solutions before problems even arise."
The podcast concludes with a call to action, emphasising the need for collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges. As Susie summarises, "We have the knowledge, we have the tools, and we have the passion to turn things around. It's time to get to work."
This engaging discussion provides planners and other listeners with valuable insights into the Commissioner's report and its implications for environmental management in New Zealand.
Note: This podcast was generated using Google’s NotebookLM, and the presenters are entirely AI-generated. At CoLab, we're exploring innovative ways to share important information and insights. We'd love to hear your feedback on this format. Is this AI-generated podcast discussion a helpful way to digest complex reports, NZ planning reform, and environmental news? Please share your thoughts and suggestions with us as we continue to refine and improve our approach to knowledge sharing. Please keep in mind that, as an AI-generated production, there may occasionally be mispronunciations of terms or slight inaccuracies in the information presented - this will get better over time.
What is the role of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment?
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) was established in 1986 to provide independent advice to Parliament on environmental matters. The PCE's role is to review the effectiveness of New Zealand's environmental management system and recommend improvements.
The PCE is an Officer of Parliament, not a government minister, and reports to Parliament as a whole. This independence allows the PCE to provide impartial advice to both the government and the opposition. The PCE focuses on emerging environmental issues and areas where their input can add the most value.
What are some of the key environmental challenges facing New Zealand?
The report highlights a number of concerning environmental trends, including:
Greenhouse gas emissions: Gross emissions have risen by 14% since 1990.
Wetland loss: Approximately 90% of New Zealand's wetlands have been lost in the past 150 years, and this decline continues.
Water pollution: A significant percentage of catchments experience excessive sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus loads.
Threatened species: A large proportion of native species, including reptiles, bats, freshwater fish, and vascular plants, are threatened with extinction.
What positive environmental trends have been observed?
Despite the challenges, the report notes some positive trends:
Air quality: Regional air quality is generally improving, although pollution levels in some areas still exceed guidelines.
Water quality: Improvements have been observed in dissolved reactive phosphorus and nitrate-nitrogen levels in monitored sites.
Community action: Hundreds of community environmental groups are actively working to restore damaged ecosystems.
What concerns does the PCE have about recent environmental policy changes?
The PCE expresses concern over a lack of evidence-based decision-making in recent environmental policy changes, specifically referencing the Fast-track Approvals Bill. The PCE argues that while the bill aims to balance economic progress with environmental protection, it lacks the necessary data to determine the potential environmental costs of expedited development.
The PCE advocates for greater investment in environmental information and a shift towards empowering local communities and iwi to lead environmental reforms.
What is the focus of the PCE's recent work?
In 2024, the PCE released several key reports, including:
"Going with the grain: Changing land uses to fit a changing landscape": This report calls for a more integrated approach to land use management, focusing on sustainable practices and empowering local stakeholders.
"A review of freshwater models used to support the regulation and management of water in New Zealand": This report highlights the need for a more coordinated and consistent approach to freshwater modelling, including greater support for Māori-led initiatives.
"How ministers and officials developed the first emissions reduction plan – and how to do it better next time": This report analyses the development of New Zealand's first emissions reduction plan and offers recommendations for improvement.
What recommendations has the PCE made to address environmental challenges?
The PCE has issued numerous recommendations across various reports, including:
Establishing a national freshwater modelling support centre.
Developing national guidance on the use of models in a regulatory context.
Providing national guidance on urban soil conservation and promoting soil reuse in urban development.
Developing a nationally mandated strategy to address data gaps in weed management and funding a comprehensive weed identification and management system.
How does the PCE measure the impact of their work?
The PCE acknowledges the difficulty in measuring the direct impact of their recommendations, as implementation relies on other parties. They track the uptake of recommendations by Parliament and government agencies, but ultimately, environmental improvements may take decades to manifest.
The PCE aims to influence decision-making by providing robust, evidence-based advice, raising awareness of environmental issues, and encouraging public debate.
What are the PCE's priorities for the future?
The PCE is currently undertaking several investigations, including exploring afforestation alternatives, examining marine biosecurity, and assessing the resource efficiency of the New Zealand economy.
The PCE is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse and highly skilled workforce, ensuring the office has the necessary expertise to address complex environmental challenges.
