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Information on the water quality of 350 beaches around New Zealand is now accessible on-line as part of an initiative between regional councils, Cawthron Institute, Ministry for the Environment and the Tindall Foundation, Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith announced today.

“I want the millions of New Zealanders who go to the beach to swim, surf and play to have access to good information on water quality. It enables people to stay healthy and raises awareness of the importance of improving our water quality.”

The Government will finalise an options document on the future of Environment Canterbury (ECAN) for public discussion in the new year, Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith and Associate Minister of Local Government Louise Upston said following their attendance at today’s Canterbury Mayoral Forum.

New Zealand’s ranking in a just-published report as 28^th of 34 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in terms of the burden to the economy due to environmental policies highlights the importance of reforming the Resource Management Act, Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith says.

Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith is urging people to be responsible and respectful when using fireworks over the Guy Fawkes week ahead, with sales permitted from tomorrow until Wednesday 5 November.

“We want people to enjoy their fireworks but this relies on users carefully following instructions, ensuring children are properly supervised and being conscious of neighbours and animals,” Dr Smith says.

The Resource Management Act needs to explicitly recognise the importance of New Zealanders’ access to more affordable housing if the downward trend in home ownership over the past 20 years is to be reversed, Building and Housing, and Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith said today at the Property Council New Zealand’s Residential Development Summit in Auckland.