The Environmental Defence Society has concluded its Dollars and Sense Conference in Tāmaki Makaurau, drawing together over 350 delegates across government, business, iwi, academia, and civil society for three days of conversation on aligning economic systems with ecological realities. The question asked at the conference was: how can we achieve that...
It’s been 15 years since the super city was formed. What are we most proud of in Tāmaki Makaurau? Where are we going as a city? What needs improvement? Auckland’s past, present and future leaders came together to reflect on these questions. Contributors included Helen Clark, John Key, Wayne Brown...
EDS has published two new reports that address key questions facing policy makers in “phase 3” of the government’s resource management reforms. Phase 3 involves replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 with two new statutes based on the “enjoyment of property rights” and is a key pillar of the coalition...
Consultation on council’s Annual Plan for 2025/2026 is open for feedback until 28 March. This year’s plan focuses on getting on with strengthening the financial and physical resilience of Auckland, as committed to in the Long-Term Plan, while investing where it is needed most to manage growth. Highlights include establishing...
A seamount is an underwater mountain that rises at least 1,000 metres above the seafloor and is a biodiversity hotspot for unique and migratory marine life. This 2-minute video shows you some of the life in a seamount and also looks at the growing threat to the creatures that live...
Auckland Council confirmed at its 28 February Governing Body meeting its 2016 commitment of $15 million towards the restoration of the St James Theatre, matching funding from central government. Mayor Wayne Brown says he is keen for the work on the theatre to go ahead, “to clean up the eyesore...
The Environmental Defence Society has launched its comprehensive guide to the Fast-track Approvals Act, which came into effect in December 2024. Applications for consents under the act went live last week. “The updated Environment Guide provides clear, accessible and digestible information to help individuals, community groups and businesses understand the...
EDS has lodged its submission on the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill with the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee. The Bill proposes a new framework by which offshore renewables will be authorised. Submissions close on 6 February. “The Bill is a step in the right direction,” says EDS Reform Director Greg...
Established in 2018, Auckland’s Heritage Counts became New Zealand’s very first programme of work systematically collecting statistics and research relating to the public value of heritage. Since then, a report has been published every year. The aim of Auckland’s Heritage Counts is to showcase the extent and variety of Auckland’s...
Submissions have been called on the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Bill by the Chair of the Environmental Committee, the Hon. Scott Simpson. Submissions close on 10 February. The Bill had its first reading on 17 December. It amends the Resource Management Act 1991 to progress government priorities...