Links
Legislation and Reform
Ministry for the Environment
The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is the Governments principal adviser on the environment in New Zealand and on international matters that affect the environment. In relation to water, the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is the key piece of legislation governing the management of freshwater resources.
The New Start for Fresh Water is a programmed aimed at the reform of the management of freshwater in New Zealand and is part of Phase Two of the government’s resource management reforms. The programme has identified that stronger central government direction and leadership is required and needs to be supported by good technical, scientific and cultural information. Information on fresh water can be found:
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/cabinet-papers/implementing-new-start-for-fresh-water.html
Land & Water Forum
The land and water forum was established to advise the Minister for the Environment and the Minister of Agriculture & Foresrty on how water should be managed in New Zealand.
The development of a shared understanding through a stakeholder led collaborative process of potential options is to be presented by 31 August 2010.
http://www.landandwater.org.nz
Environmental Indicators Quarterly
Also available is the Environmental Indicators Quarterly. This is an electronic newsletter from the Ministry for the Environment that links you to information on what's happening in the realm of environmental reporting. The Winter 2010 issue is now available online at http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/ser/environmental-indicators/index.html.
Waikato – Tainui Settlement
The Waikato River Claim was filed in the Waitangi Tribunal in 1987, brought by Robert Te Kotahi Mahuta on behalf of himself, Waikato–Tainui, the members of the Waikato-Tainui Maaori Trust Board and Ngaa Marae Toopu. In 2008 the Crown and Waikato – Tainui signed a Deed of Settlement.