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New laws and policy to better manage freedom camping were announced today by Environment Minister and Acting Conservation Minister Nick Smith at the Motor Caravan Association’s Annual General Meeting in Kaiteriteri, Nelson.

“Freedom camping is an important part of our tourism industry and great Kiwi lifestyle but we cannot tolerate irresponsible campers spoiling our most iconic areas with human waste and litter,” Dr Smith said.

The passing of the Environmental Protection Authority Act today marks a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to strengthen New Zealand’s environmental management, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.

“The Environmental Protection Authority will improve environmental management by providing a consistent regulatory approach across New Zealand and over a broad range of environmental issues scattered among different agencies,” Dr Smith said.

Improved performance by ACC in the Non-Earners’ Account has freed up $638 million of taxpayer funding over the next four years, Finance Minister Bill English and ACC Minister Nick Smith announced today.

The Government has agreed to a forward work programme on water reform that will involve the Land and Water Forum, iwi and ongoing analysis by officials, Environment Minister Nick Smith, Agriculture Minister David Carter and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples say.

Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced the establishment of a new contestable fund to help councils and communities clean-up nationally significant water bodies polluted by poor historic management.

Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced a National Policy Statement for Fresh Water Management that recognises the value of fresh water to New Zealand and gives stronger national direction to councils.

“This National Policy Statement is about Government giving clear direction to councils on the importance of improving New Zealand’s fresh water management. It requires councils to set limits on fresh water quality and the amount of water that can be abstracted from our rivers, lakes and aquifers,” Dr Smith said.

Environment Minister Nick Smith and Agriculture Minister David Carter today announced the Government's fresh water policy package saying improved water management is needed to grow the economy while better caring for our rivers, lakes and aquifers.

“This balanced package is about getting the right rules and funding in place to support irrigation development and economic growth, while ensuring protection of the environment,” the Ministers said.

Environment Minister Nick Smith today launched the Love NZ recycling initiative in Wellington to coincide with Rugby World Cup 2011.

“The Rugby World Cup is the biggest event New Zealand has hosted. This Love NZ campaign is about recycling thousands of tonnes of glass, plastic and paper that would otherwise go to landfill and showing our 85,000 international guests that we care for our environment.  This is about turning a potential risk from large volumes of waste into an opportunity to reinforce our clean, green brand," Dr Smith said.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Nick Smith will visit Japan and China over the Easter recess to meet with his respective counterparts, Minister Rya Matsumoto and Minister Zhou Shengzien, to enhance environmental cooperation between New Zealand and our two major Asian trading partners.

“I am disappointed this matter has not been able to be resolved by the material being removed from the internet and legal proceedings being discontinued,” Dr Nick Smith said.

"I am unable to intervene as Minister because this is a matter between individuals before the court but I hope common sense prevails."
 

Climate Change Minister Nick Smith today welcomed reports on New Zealand's Greenhouse Gas Emissions for 2009 and the projected net position for 2008-2012 that show the Emissions Trading Scheme is working and that New Zealand is on track to meet its Kyot

ACC Minister Nick Smith today announced the appointments of former Commerce Commission Chair Paula Rebstock and actuary Jill Spooner to the eight-member ACC Board.

“These new three-year appointments are about ensuring there is a diverse range of skills around the board table of ACC. Paula Rebstock brings many years of experience in Government and business from her time as Chair of the Commerce Commission and Jill Spooner will provide high quality actuarial expertise,” Dr Smith said.

The Government today announced its National Policy Statement on Renewable Electricity Generation under the Resource Management Act to encourage investment in wind, geothermal, hydro, and tidal power.

“This National Policy Statement is about Government recognising the importance of renewable energy and will help New Zealand meet its targets of 90% renewable electricity by 2025 and 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” Dr Smith said.

Environment Minister Nick Smith today welcomed the passing of the Second Reading of the Environmental Protection Authority Bill without division saying New Zealand needs to strengthen and improve its environmental management.

“This reform is about providing stronger central Government direction on environmental regulation, better efficiency and cost effectiveness and improving the integrity of systems by delegating administration of regulatory functions to an independent Crown entity,” Dr Smith said.

The Government today released the final report of the Land and Water Forum that was presented to Environment Minister Nick Smith and Agriculture Minister David Carter this week saying it provides a good framework for advancing water reform.

The introduction of experience rating today is about providing stronger incentives for businesses to improve workplace safety and make ACC levies fairer, ACC Minister Nick Smith says.

“The averaged ACC levy system has meant businesses with good workplace safety have been carrying the cost of others that are less safe. This new system of experience rating is about better aligning ACC levies with risk and rewarding employers with good safety records,” Dr Smith said.

Climate Change Minister Nick Smith today announced the Government’s long-term target of a 50% reduction in New Zealand greenhouse gases emissions from 1990 levels by 2050.

Environment Minister Nick Smith today called for nominations for the 2011 Green Ribbon Awards which honour the outstanding contributions New Zealanders make in caring for the environment.

"It takes initiative and dedication to tackle environmental issues and I welcome the opportunity at the 21st Green Ribbon Awards to honour the people and organisations that are committed to protecting and improving New Zealand’s environment,” Dr Smith said.

ACC Minister Nick Smith today welcomed the conviction of ACC’s former national property manager Malcolm Mason on corruption and bribery charges.

“It is extremely serious when we have a senior public servant taking bribes and compromising the integrity of state purchasing,” Dr Smith said. “The victims of Mr Mason’s corruption are all New Zealanders who pay ACC levies, other businesses that missed out on work because of his corrupt acts, and public servants who do their jobs with honesty and integrity.

Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced changes to the makeup of the Waste Advisory Board.

The eight-person board provides advice to the Minister for the Environment on issues relating to waste management and minimisation.

ACC Minister Nick Smith is reassuring Christchurch employers that they won’t be penalised by ACC for injuries to their workers caused by the 22 February earthquake.

“Under ACC’s existing regulations, employers who had staff injured or killed in their workplace during the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February could have their Work Account levies increased as a result. This is unfair and that is why an exception needs to be made,” Dr Smith said.

The Government is streamlining the resource consent processes for land remediation works to enable homes to be rebuilt more quickly for Christchurch families hit by the 4 September and 22 February earthquakes, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.

Minister for the Environment, Nick Smith today announced the members of a four-strong Establishment Board tasked with ensuring the new Environmental Protection Authority is ready for business on 1 July.

ACC is doing all it can to support the injured and those who have lost loved ones in the Christchurch earthquake, ACC Minister Nick Smith says.