ECan’s appeal of the ALIL consent case
ECan is appealing ELI’s High Court win on the ALIL consent case.
ELI submits on the proposed Waikato Regional Coastal Plan
ELI has made a submission on the proposed Waikato Regional Coastal Plan.
ELI takes first step on reassessment of glyphosate
A reassessment of glyphosate using the most up-to-date independent science is long overdue. We have taken the first step towards a reassessment by applying to EPA to determine whether legal grounds exist for a reassessment.
ELI supports hapū to file Waitangi Tribunal claim for numerous breaches of Te Tiriti
Read the Waitangi Tribunal claim by Tangata Marae for numerous treaty breaches at Te Weraiti
ELI urges swift action to phase out harmful chemicals in everyday products
With growing awareness of the potential risks associated with specific chemicals found in everyday products, evidence-based regulation of these substances is imperative to safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of the environment, its people, and our communities. In light of this, ELI recently submitted their recommendations to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) regarding the proposed revisions to the Cosmetic Products Group Standard. Read our full submission here.
Concerns over lack of transparency and timely data in government’s latest freshwater report
The Ministry for the Environment has released its latest report on the state of freshwater in Aotearoa, “Our Freshwater 2023”, which provides an overview of the state of freshwater in Aotearoa, New Zealand. While elements of the report contain strengths, ELI is concerned that the 2023 iteration misses a crucial opportunity to provide a comprehensive assessment of changes in freshwater health over time. Read our brief analysis here.
What do NZ’s latest wetland regulations mean?
Recently, the New Zealand government made changes to the 2020 Freshwater Package after collecting input from the public. The 2020 Freshwater Package was supposed to provide increased protections for wetlands, in line with the government's policy goal of "no further wetland loss." However, following a lengthy consultation process, the government has proceeded with significant changes against recommendations of eNGOs and other concerned groups. Here, we break down what the new policy means and why it is significant.
Protecting our coastal wetlands - our submission to MfE
Our submission to the Ministry for the Environment on their proposed changes to provisions for wetlands in the coastal marine area (CMA).
Opinion: We need to ask harder questions about the herbicide glyphosate
The Environmental Protection Authority report into the use of glyphosate is open to criticism for presenting scientific information on a par with the opinions of industry. With growing evidence of its negative environmental effects, a reassessment should get the go-ahead
“Managing our Wetlands” and Technical Amendments - ELI’s Submission
Our submission to Ministry for Environment on the 2022 Exposure drafts of the NPS-FM and NES-F: “Managing our Wetlands” and Technical Amendments.
EPA accepts ELI’s recommendations in evidence-based regulation of hazardous substances - Press Release
ELI is pleased to announce that their recommendations have been heard in the EPA’s reassessment of diazinon, fenamiphos and methamidophos. These chemicals are known as organophosphates (OPs), which are the main component of herbicides, pesticides and incecticides widely used across New Zealand.
Leveraging wetlands in NZ’s climate change response
Our submission to MfE on why we must prioritise the restoration and conservation of wetlands and peatlands into our emissions reductions approach.
Managing our Wetlands - Our Submission to MfE
Wetlands are one of New Zealand’s most ecologically valuable, and highly threatened, ecosystems. Since European settlement, more than 90% of our wetlands have been lost to urban or agricultural development. Protecting the few wetlands that we have left is of paramount importance for Aotearoa’s climate resilience, biodiversity, human health and community wellbeing. Read our submission to MfE on their recent proposals to shift wetland regulations, making it easier for industries to destroy wetlands.
Our submission on the HSNO (Hazardous Substances Assessments) Amendment Bill
New Zealand lags behind other OECD nations in its regulation of hazardous substances. Many chemicals banned overseas continue to be used daily in NZ. ELI therefore supports the aim and purpose of the HSNO Amendment Bill. Any improvements to the hazardous substances regulatory regime are to be welcomed.
Our submission on the Freshwater Farm Plan Regulations
ELI has lodged a submission on the Freshwater farm plan regulations proposals. Our key concern is that the Government’s proposed Freshwater Farm Planning system is putting the cart before the horse, and in doing so risks the integrity of both our immediate and longer term limits set to protect and restore our freshwater.
Glyphosate use in NZ
Read our submission on the EPA's call for information on Glyphosate use in NZ - the active ingredient in approximately 90 herbicidal products.
If we are serious about ‘environmental limits’ then they need to be limiting
Why the NBEB must be redrafted to ensure a pivotal role for independent science.
Read our submission on the Natural and Built Environments Bill
The government has released the first exposure draft of the Natural and Built Environments Bill (NBEB). The draft provides an early look into key aspects of the proposed Act, which is one of three new pieces of legislation set to replace the controversial Resource Management Act of 1991. ELI investigates whether the Bill will deliver where the RMA could not.
Recognising and managing the climate impacts of wetland drainage
The role of our wetlands in climate change mitigation & response.
Understanding Wetland Loss in NZ
Read a study exploring the key reasons for ongoing wetland loss in NZ.