The work we do each day is about protecting the environment and enhancing a safe and sustainable way of life, and future, for all New Zealanders.
Video: We are the EPA, New Zealand's national environmental regulator | 1:56 mins | Transcript
Our vision
What we do affects the everyday lives of all New Zealanders. We work to achieve our vision of an environment protected, enhancing our way of life and the economy.
New Zealand has some unique environments, a unique culture, and a special relationship with tangata whenua (indigenous people).
In doing our work we carefully balance social, economic, safety, and environmental factors to protect the way of life New Zealanders want now, and in the future.
Our governance
We are a Crown Agent established under the Environmental Protection Authority Act 2011. The Act helps the Government achieve its goal of growing our economy, while effectively protecting our natural environment.
We report to the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Climate Change on issues relevant to their portfolios. The Ministry for the Environment monitors our activities and is the Government's principal advisor on environmental policy and legislation.
We have a number of advisory groups and decision-making committees:
contributes to the efficient, effective and transparent management of New Zealand's environment and natural and physical resources
enables New Zealand to meet its international obligations.
We have particular responsibilities under the environmental Acts we manage.
Making decisions for the good of New Zealand
We're charged with making decisions about whether to allow certain chemical products into New Zealand. We also have this role for new organisms, which is a term that covers all sorts of living things, from tiny viruses to large plants and animals.
This is an important role, and we don't take it lightly. This video explains the process we follow for all these types of decisions.
Video: How the EPA makes decisions about hazardous substances and new organisms | 1:48 mins | Transcript
You can find out more about all the different roles we have by expanding the list below:
Administer nationally significant proposals
Projects such as new motorways, prisons, and wind farms can be approved under the Resource Management Act. Our role is to process these applications for proposals of national significance. This involves providing administrative support for the decision-making process, which can include supporting the Board of Inquiry and the hearing process.
We decide whether or not to approve applications to import or manufacture pesticides, dangerous goods, household chemicals and other hazardous substances in New Zealand. We do this by assessing applications and weighing up the risks and benefits of these substances, using our risk assessment model.
We create the rules to make sure the people who make and use these substances do so in a way that's safe for them and the environment. We also make sure the rules are followed (along with WorkSafe New Zealand and other agencies).
New Zealand also has international obligations relating to ozone-depleting substances, certain chemicals and hazardous waste. We make sure we meet those obligations.
Regulate activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone
We are responsible for regulating certain activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (EEZ). This includes making decisions on applications for certain marine activities, monitoring compliance, and enforcing the rules.
The Emissions Trading Scheme (NZETS) is the way in which New Zealand reduces its greenhouse gas emissions. Our role is to administer and report on the Scheme, and to make sure participants follow the Scheme's rules. We also run the New Zealand Emissions Trading Register (the Register ), which is where participants trade 'carbon credits'.
New organisms such as beetles and wasps can pose potential risks to the environment, people, and Māori culture and traditions. Our role is to make decisions on applications to introduce such living things that are new to New Zealand, and to manage those risks.
We do this by assessing applications and weighing up the risks and benefits of a new organism, based on our risk assessment model.
From using cosmetic products, to carrying out marine scientific research, we have a role to play in helping people and businesses follow certain rules that are there to protect them and the environment.
We do this by providing guidance and information, as well as through enforcement, and in the most serious cases, prosecution.
We support and encourage people to take part in our decision-making processes, and provide guidance and information for people applying for approvals and consents.
We also promote the safe use of chemicals in and around the home through our website, social media channels, and getting out and about in the community.
Our team of scientists and technical experts contribute to science leadership both in New Zealand and internationally. We do this by providing advice on government environmental policy, legislations, and regulations.
