Freedom Interrupted
Created: Saturday, 21 May 2011 01:48
The Government hopes that the Freedom Camping Bill (Bill) introduced to Parliament on 18 May 2011 will make inroads in dealing with the growing problem of freedom campers.
Environmental / Resource Management
NPS For Freshwater Management 2011
Created: Thursday, 19 May 2011 01:51
The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2011 (NPS) was announced recently and will take effect from 1 July 2011. Primarily the NPS makes Regional Councils (RCs) responsible for setting enforceable quality and quantity limits for freshwater water bodies within their regions. The NPS also addresses the allocation, transfer of water take rights and the reduction of over allocation of water bodies.
Environmental Protection Authority Established
Created: Wednesday, 18 May 2011 01:55
In November 2010 we reported on the establishment of an enlarged Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The EPA Bill has now become law and the Authority is intended to assume some of its environmental regulatory functions from 1 July 2011. This issue provides an update and summary of the EPA's functions.
Not all Smoke and Mirrors – Amendments to the NES for Air Quality
Created: Wednesday, 04 May 2011 01:57
Changes to Air Quality Standard Address Industry Concerns
The National Environmental Standard for Air Quality was introduced on 8 October 2004 becoming the first set of National Environmental Standards to take effect. However following concerns expressed at the 2009 Jobs Summit that the Standards could impact on New Zealand's industry and employment, the government sought a review.
NPS for Renewable Electricity Generation 2011
Created: Wednesday, 20 April 2011 02:00
The National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation 2011 (NPS) was announced recently and will take effect from 13 May 2011. The NPS directs consent authorities to recognise renewable electricity generation activities as a matter of national significance, and is intended to assist the Government to meet its target for renewable electricity generation. Given its scope, the NPS will lead to the amendment of a number of planning documents around the country.
Court Finds Council Caused Coastal Erosion
Created: Wednesday, 30 March 2011 03:03
What was it Robert Burns said about the best laid schemes of mice an' men?
The Tasman District Council might be reflecting upon the perils of best laid schemes following a recent Environment Court decision on an application for enforcement orders.
The stabilisation of coastal environments is such a tricky proposition that some think it should never be attempted, and the coastal form left to nature to determine. But local authorities quite frequently endeavour to stabilise or improve coastal amenities by building structures on the foreshore or seabed.
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