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The ‘Better Local Government’ reforms announced today by Prime Minister John Key will provide clarity around the role of councils, stronger governance, improved efficiency and more responsible financial management said Local Government Minister Nick Smith.

“These reforms are part of the Government’s broader programme for building a more productive, competitive economy and better public services,” Dr Smith says.

Government will provide funding of $133,000 to the Product Stewardship Foundation to explore recycling options for used tyres, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.

“This funding will be used by the Foundation to work with tyre industry importers and retailers to identify the best way for New Zealand to recycle and re-use our used tyres,” Dr Smith says.

The release of a draft joint Australia-New Zealand Standard for processing electrical and electronic waste, like old televisions, computers and whiteware was welcomed today by Environment Minister Nick Smith.

“This will be an important tool to help the e-waste recycling sector lift its performance,” Dr Smith says.

Good morning. Thank you to the organisers of today’s seminar for providing this opportunity for everyone involved in contributing to the Zero Draft Document for Rio+20 to get together and share ideas and information on these matters which are so critical to our future.

I would like to acknowledge the distinguished speakers and guests, and especially acknowledge and thank all of you who have put many hours and much thought into your submissions.

New Zealand’s priority at the United Nations Rio+20 Summit in June will be on improving environmental management of oceans and opportunities from greening growth, Environment Minister Nick Smith said when opening the United Nations Association New Zealand Conference in Wellington today.

National today launched Building a Bluegreen Future, an environment policy paper reporting on the progress of the National-led Government over the past three years and setting out the next steps to be taken in this term.

The Prime Minister's announcement of nearly $8 million in funding for cleaning up polluted water bodies underscores the Government’s progress in collaborative freshwater management, Environment Minister Nick Smith said today.

The report of the Green Growth Advisory Group was released today at the annual Bluegreens Forum at Lake Pupuke, North Shore, with 26 recommendations for the Government to consider.

“This is a useful report for bringing together policies that will help the Government build a more productive and competitive economy, while meeting environmental objectives,” Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says.

Environment Minister Nick Smith today called for nominations for the 2012 Green Ribbon Awards which recognise the achievements of New Zealanders who are dedicated to protecting and improving our environment.

“The nominations should show how the work of an individual or organisation has contributed measurable environmental benefits, is innovative, goes the extra distance and has raised awareness of environmental issues,” Dr Smith said.

This year, the Awards include a new category, recognising the Green Economy.

Local Government Minister Nick Smith and the Christchurch City Council have met today and agreed to the appointment of a Crown Observer to assist the Council.

"The appointment of a Crown Observer onto the Christchurch City Council will help address any governance issues and work to rebuild the public confidence in the Council," Dr Smith says.

Environment Minister Nick Smith today launched the environmental recovery plan, to address the long term effects of the Rena disaster on the wider Bay of Plenty region.

“This plan is needed to bring together a wide range of central, regional and local government organisations as well as iwi to ensure the long-term clean-up job is well coordinated,” Dr Smith says.

The Government will provide $509,000 from the Waste Minimisation Fund to help residents in Canterbury’s red zone to dispose of their hazardous household waste safely, Environment Minister Hon Dr Nick Smith announced today.

“With more than 6000 properties identified in the red zone in suburban Christchurch, it’s important that any hazardous household materials such as cleaning products, paint, LPG, and garden sprays are dealt with in a safe and environmentally-sound way,” Dr Smith says.