We submit

The proposed changes would substantially expand ministerial and executive discretion, weaken precautionary and ecosystem‑based protections, and reduce opportunities for public scrutiny and legal challenge.

We submit that DOC should consider the possibility of moving safe zones for marine mammals and spell out how it will achieve improved enforcement within Te Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Sanctuary.

Abolishing the Ministry poses significant risks for the protection of the environment.

The Bills remove established environmental limits, enable more pollution by opening new rights not previously legally available to polluters, limit public standing to participate, as well as judicial review rights, hollow out existing accountability mechanisms, and establish potential conflicts with the Wildlife Act 1953.

Submission on the establishment of Puketeraki mātaitai reserve in East Otago.

Our submission to the DOC and Fisheries NZ consultation on the future of marine management in Kaikōura.

In ELI’s view, there are significant issues with the proposals and their underpinning analysis.

The most significant issue is the lack of a proper justification for the proposal that the Crown bear the proposed $3.76 million in annual costs associated with the on-board camera programme.

The legal and policy analysis underpinning this proposal is seriously deficient.

ELI’s submission to Fisheries NZ’s review of sustainability measures for spiny rock lobster (crayfish) for the area known as CRA 2, which covers the Hauraki Gulf.

ELI has submitted on the Government’s consultation on Setting Aotearoa New Zealand’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement.

The Government’s choices outlined in its proposed Emissions Reduction Plan would needlessly delay our transition towards a cleaner, healthier environment, society and economy.  

ELI has made a submission on the proposed Waikato Regional Coastal Plan.

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.

Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) has consulted on a range of changes to the bycatch reporting requirements for commercial fishers.

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.

Populations of many protected species that inhabit New Zealand’s waters are declining. ELI recently submitted its feedback on DOC’s draft plan for the Conservation Services Programme, which serves as the government’s primary mechanism for understanding and tackling fishing-related risks to protected species. In light of the alarming decline in marine biodiversity and the precarious state of our marine environment, formulating an effective plan to thoroughly investigate and address the effects of fishing on our taonga marine species is critical. Here are our recommendations for improving the draft plan.