EPA taking an active role in protecting New Zealand’s environment
The EPA's latest Annual Report shows they're looking ahead to have a proactive role, with a focus on compliance and engagement.
Chief Executive Allan Freeth says over the past year the EPA has strengthened its capability in compliance, monitoring and enforcement, and shifted its structure to bring these functions into a single, highly skilled and focused group.It has continued its work to engage with all New Zealanders and developed its mātauranga framework, which seeks to weave Māori knowledge and perspectives into decision making.Dr Freeth says the goal is to fulfil its stewardship role as New Zealand’s EPA, and it is seeking to define “what lines should not be crossed” in issues and activities related to the environment.He says over the coming year the EPA will continue to develop its “proactive regulator” strategy and seek to involve more New Zealanders in its work.The Annual Report has leadership reports that give details about the EPA’s work in compliance, engagement, Māori policy, science and operations. It also has case studies that give a glimpse into the work of EPA staff.