Submission on The future of eco-nomics: Proposed topic for the 2026 long-term insights briefing – consultation

^{Raikaia River mouth, Phillip Capper, Wikimedia}

The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has made a submission in support of Stats NZ's proposed topic for the 2026 long-term insights briefing: The future of eco-nomics: Integrating environmental and economic measurement in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The importance of improving the integration of economic and environmental measurement initiatives should not be understated. New Zealand is a biologically based economy with primary industries and tourism being important contributors to economic production and foreign exchange.

The continued operation of these economic activities depends on a raft of ecosystem services and natural resources. Accordingly, initiatives that support better measurement of the environmental impact of the economy and the economic impact of the environment should be prioritised.

Work undertaken by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and his staff has found that there are important deficiencies in the underlying information base regarding economy–environment interactions. The office looks forward to continued engagement with Stats NZ on this important topic.