Environmental Defence Society (EDS)

Join us in May 2025 for the annual EDS summit. Dollars & Sense will focus on how we can build an economy that works for nature. The 2025 event will include a one-day symposium on oceans, followed by two days of conferencing.

EDS has released two new reports addressing critical questions for policymakers in Phase 3 of the Government’s resource management reforms, which proposes to replace the Resource Management Act with two new laws based on property rights. The first report outlines the reform’s context. The second report explores the scope of the resource management system - what activities and effects it should manage. It outlines four essential areas for the new system: protecting the ‘commons’, addressing impacts that people can have on each other, safeguarding the environment more broadly, and promoting positive outcomes like climate action and urban planning. While RMA reform is needed, narrowing scope should proceed with care. Changes required are more about improving process—how we get to a decision, how much it costs, and how certain outcomes are. We examine these issues, and others, in further reports that will be released shortly. More details are outlined in the full media release. Find it via this link: https://lnkd.in/eYgW7u8W

EDS has appeared before the Environment Committee to speak to its submission on the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill.  We urged the Committee to withdraw amendments that would limit public participation in decision-making and make it harder for councils to manage the impacts of damaging fishing methods on marine biodiversity. You can watch our presentation here (from timestamp ~49:00): https://lnkd.in/eyGaSu4r Read our submission here: https://lnkd.in/e5x58JPG

As potential international investors gather for the Government’s Infrastructure Investment Summit, EDS is advocating the importance of balancing development with environmental responsibility. EDS’s CEO Gary Taylor emphasises the need for high environmental standards, especially given New Zealand’s unique biodiversity. Infrastructure projects should aim for a net gain in indigenous biodiversity and consider long-term sustainability. New Zealand has a culture of active and committed environmental NGOs (ENGOs) who are keen to work collaboratively with investors. Unfortunately, no ENGOs were invited to the Summit. EDS has long advocated for spatial planning, which would provide better long-term outcomes for investors. For more information view the full media release below: https://lnkd.in/e8dmreN3

Ambition. Accountability. Action. Climate impacts are escalating, global geopolitics are shifting, and while emissions reduction solutions exist, barriers remain, and major opportunities are untapped. This year’s conference dives into the ‘how’, showcasing cutting-edge action from Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Join us in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 8–9 September to explore the big questions shaping our future and the role of business in securing it. 🔹  Early bird registrations close 30 June—don’t miss out! More details on the conference website: https://lnkd.in/g_F93Hsi

This year EDS is hosting a full 3-day summit, with the first day dedicated entirely to oceans. It’s come during the biggest year for environmental reform, with major changes to the Resource Management Act, conservation, fisheries, climate policies, and an energy market under the spotlight. Join us as we engage with key Ministers and experts to cover all these critical issues, and more. Follow the link below to register: https://lnkd.in/ersEPwrJ 423f-ac33-b0cc92b12de6/websitePage:3b1aea9d-ed72-408e-bd0d-b960af659c2d Forest & Bird Fish & Game New Zealand Live Ocean Greenpeace Aotearoa

The new year is in full swing! Check out our newsletter to see what EDS has in store in March:   🟢 Fast-track fund 🟢 New Energy and Local Government Minister 🟢 EDS is hiring an Office Manager 🟢 Dollars and Sense: Making the Economy Work for Nature, 12-14 May 2025 🟢 Waikato Case Update 🟢 QE2 Trust gets more funding 🟢 Dr Deidre Koolen-Bourke is leaving EDS   Read the full Newsletter below: https://lnkd.in/dZjYgqzp

Our friends over at the New Zealand Planning Institute are hosting their annual conference in Waihōpai Invercargill in just 5 weeks time on 26 - 28 March. With a focus on reimagining and enhancing our regional built environments, and the evolving digital landscape, this year’s conference will tackle the big issues shaping the planning profession. Join NZPI next month as it looks ahead to the future of planning! #NZPI #NZPIC25 Follow this link to register: https://lnkd.in/erQtGVtv

EDS supports modernising conservation management but says proposed changes need strengthening. The reforms risk prioritising tourism and commercial interests over conservation, lack climate change considerations, and will make it easier to dispose of public conservation land. EDS calls for clearer priorities, stronger safeguards, and climate action in the reforms. They also back fair visitor access charges to support conservation but stress the need for transparency and affordability. For more details on EDS’s recommendations, see the link below: https://lnkd.in/e3aJDTjx

Programme submissions close tomorrow!