On 13 September, a discussion organised by the Environmental Defence Society revealed party policies for the environment and conservation. Hon David Parker (Labour), Hon James Shaw (Greens), Hon Scott Simpson (National), Hon John Tamihere (Te Pāti Māori) and Simon Court MP (ACT) were questioned by EDS CEO Gary Taylor. The...
This local community hub in Western Springs for reusing, repurposing and recycling goods was opened on 11 August. It is the 12th recycling centre in Tāmaki Makaurau. The recycling centre is located in a heritage building at 990 Great North Road where extensive remedial work was required. The refurbishment was...
People often talk about climate action being urgent, as well as about the possibility that adequate climate action might require significant social change. This research is exploring how these questions shape people’s decision-making for climate action, in the hope that it can support reflection and discussion about effective and just...
Last week, the government announced that 17 new marine protected areas and extensions to two existing marine reserves in the Hauraki Gulf will proceed This will help restore the overall productivity of the Gulf, including enhancing fish production. . The Gulf has been experiencing long-term declines in biodiversity, depletion of...
The Minister of Transport has announced the final Reshaping Streets package of regulatory changes, which will give councils and communities more options to improve urban spaces and encourage healthier, safer and more sustainable travel. Reshaping Streets will enable councils and communities to work together to modify their existing streets to...
There are 12 community recycling centres across the region. Many of them accept most types of waste. Look up your local recycling centre to find out what items they take. Some centres charge a fee for particular items, so check first. Your local op shop will take items that are...
Waka Kotahi is consulting on whether or not it should renew its E-scooters (Declaration not to be Motor Vehicles) Notice 2018 which expires on 30th September 2023. This is the Declaration that had the consequence of allowing e-scooters to be ridden on footpaths. There is a very short survey to...
The Environment Select Committee has released its report and recommended amendments to the Natural and Built Environment Bill. Supporters of The Tree Council and the New Zealand Arboricultural Association sent more than 3,300 submissions to the select committee supporting the changes recommended in their Stop the Chop campaign. The Parliamentary...
From 1 July 2023, the sale and manufacture of many single-use plastic products have been banned, restricted or phased out. Drinking straws Cutlery Bowls, trays and platters without lids Produce bags used to pack fresh fruit and vegetables Produce labels. The ban applies where items are sold or supplied for...
The Environmental Defence Society has released its review of the Conservation Management Planning System, calling for urgent reform. Co-authored by Dr Deidre Koolen-Bourke, Raewyn Peart, Bronwyn Wilde and Tracey Turner, the report reviews the adequacy of the legislation and policy settings, statutory planning documents, concessions system and institutional arrangements for...