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 lodged its submission on the RM2 Bill with the Environment Select Committee. The Bill includes some positives such as stronger compliance and enforcement provisions. However, many of the amendments will weaken environmental protections and limit opportunities for public participation. We strongly oppose proposals to limit the ability to manage fishing impacts on indigenous biodiversity. In most regions, existing protections are inadequate, and marine outcomes are in decline. Removing levers for protection will not help. Read our full submission below: https://lnkd.in/e5x58JPG

Calling all climate and business thought leaders who are keen to help set the #CCBC25 agenda. 📣   The Climate Change and Business Conference programme team is working hard to curate an outstanding programme for our 2025 conference to support the theme - Ambition. Accountability. Action.   This year, to ensure we are bringing together a more diverse range of voices and perspectives than ever – we are actively seeking submissions for speakers or sessions from across our network.   You can find more information on submitting an idea via our programme pitch form. Pitch submissions close at 11:59pm on Friday 28 February: https://lnkd.in/gxh6XEez   Visit the conference website to find out more information on key dates and how to register to attend: https://lnkd.in/g5j637-m Environmental Defence Society (EDS), Climate Leaders Coalition #CCBC25 #businessleadership #climateaction #emissionsreduction

In November 2024, the Government released two Discussion Documents containing proposals to reform aspects of the conservation management system. They include changes to planning, concessions, and land exchange and disposal requirements, as well as proposals to charge for access. There is no question that the conservation system is broken. EDS has been calling for reform for several years. While some of the proposed reforms are positive, others go too far, with critical checks and balances missing. EDS is running a one-hour webinar in which EDS’s Senior Policy Researcher Dr Deidre Koolen-Bourke and Policy Director Raewyn Peart will critique the reforms and identify key issues for submitters to focus on. Date: Monday 10 February 2025 Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm Location: online via zoom webinar Cost: there is no cost to attend but registration is essential Registration is free via the link below: https://lnkd.in/eDhcXtc6

Our first Newsletter of 2025 is now available! In this issue:   🟢 EDS calls for stronger action to rebuild crayfish stocks 🟢 RM2 Bill sets the scene for wide-ranging reform 🟢 Environment Guide updated and includes Fast-track Approvals Act 🟢 EDS 2025 Conference now live for registrations 🟢 New Ministerial appointment welcome   Read the Newsletter below! https://lnkd.in/ehRwvedU

EDS has submitted to the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill. In our latest media release, EDS’s Reform Director Greg Severinsen comments on the Bill:   “The Bill is necessary and has good features. However, some improvements are needed…”   Because the Bill’s scope is limited to offshore renewables, it lacks consideration for situations where non-renewable activities may want to use the same space, such as seabed mining.   Offshore renewables are not included in the fast-track process, leaving potential for conflicting activities to swoop for the same location. This could deter investors from offshore wind projects.   Severinsen highlights the importance of “broader marine spatial planning to determine what kinds of activities should go where and to manage any conflicts and synergies between them.” For the full media release and submission, follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/dyCGG2E9

EDS has submitted on FNZ’s proposals for managing rock lobster (crayfish) in the Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel, and Bay of Plenty fishery (CRA 2). Some of the proposals are positive. EDS strongly supports the need to close the inner Hauraki Gulf and set a higher long-term management target for the stock. However, none of the proposals go far enough to rebuild depleted crayfish populations and restore degraded kelp forests in the wider fishery. We have requested a suite of stronger protective measures to provide for effective ecosystem-based management.   Read the full submission via the link below: https://lnkd.in/eAK2ASJE  

2025 brings a new sense of urgency for environmental action. In his recent opinion for Newsroom NZ, EDS’s Chief Executive Gary Taylor explains the upcoming challenges the new year has in store.   “The reforms planned for 2025 are far more extensive and worrying. All national policy statements and environmental standards – the engine room of our resource management system – that guide all development, are under threat,”    “Most of the damaging agendas of ministers were completed in 2024. Hopefully, we will see a more nuanced outcome and ideally cross-party support for the wider system reforms this year.”   Check out the full op-ed below:   https://lnkd.in/dtw4u_E5

EDS has submitted on the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. Its Chief Executive Gary Taylor says: “The proposed Bill in fact constitutes a retrograde constitutional shift by mandating a narrow, ideological and radical approach to regulation-making” “This Bill, like the Treaty Principles Bill, is seeking to entrench radical ideological ideas into our law-making processes and should be stopped in its tracks.” 📖 Read the full media release and submission below: https://lnkd.in/eyQbMvms

Check out Stephanie McKee’s review of EDS’s book, Environmental Defenders, in the Coromandel Town Chronicle.   “From the deep south to the far north, from the Clyde Dam to the Karikari Peninsula, from the geothermal areas of Rotorua to the iconic coastlines of the Coromandel, EDS has worked to protect what’s left of our natural world.” “The depth and breadth of this chronology is truly impressive.” 📖 Read Stephanie’s full review below: https://lnkd.in/eSrxrZWe