Current work

• We are currently working on a significant body of investigations across a range of environmental issues.

  Landscape approach

  New Zealand’s current land use patterns and land management practices are placing increasing pressures on the environment, such as greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and overexploitation of freshwater, biodiversity loss and soil erosion.

  Land use change and the adoption of alternative land management practices can mitigate these risks and help preserve the mauri (life force) of the land. 

  This investigation aims to explore what a landscape approach to climate policy would look like and how it could be implemented.

  The Commissioner intends to build on the ideas outlined in the 2019 Farms, forests and fossil fuels investigation, and will explore how an integrated approach to land use management can achieve multiple environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes at the landscape or catchment scale.

  Urban green space

  Urban green space such as parks, reserves, gardens, sports fields and private yards provide people with a connection to nature, valuable habitat for indigenous species, and ecosystem services such as stormwater management, temperature regulation and aquifer recharge.

  There is currently a strong push to increase the supply of housing to improve housing affordability. This risks urban green space being either gradually eroded or not adequately provided for. This project aims to provide insight into how urban green space in New Zealand has changed over time and assess the barriers that hinder its provision.

  Advice to Parliament

  Throughout the year, the Commissioner will provide advice to select committees on environmental bills. He may also make submissions on proposed environmental policies and regulations.