Te kete mātauranga a āhuarangi me te taiao Environment and Climate Research Strategy government objectives

The strategy will ensure Aotearoa New Zealand has the science and evidence it needs to achieve its environment and climate objectives. It will allow a more strategic and coordinated approach to investing in research that delivers on government objectives.

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Government objectives

The following objectives articulated in Aotearoa New Zealand’s long-term policy goals, strategies and global environment and climate commitments provide the direction of the research outcomes.

  • The arrival of unwanted pests and pathogens is prevented, and harm caused by pests and diseases is avoided, reduced or contained.
  • Our ecosystems and biodiversity are protected, restored, resilient and connect from mountain tops to ocean depths.
  • Indigenous species and their habitats are thriving.
  • Productive exotic species and habitats (farms, orchards, forests etc.) are thriving.
  • People’s lives are enriched through their connection with Te Taiao increasing social and cultural health and wellbeing.
  • Reduce the impacts from pollution.
  • We transition to a low-carbon, circular economy that protects the environment for future generations.
  • Mātauranga Māori works alongside other knowledge systems to provide a broader and deeper understanding of our natural environment.
  • Te Tiriti is reflected in environmental decision making.
  • The unique knowledge and perspective of Māori is recognised and Māori/iwi actively participate as kaitiaki at all levels of environmental decision making.
  • Aotearoa plays its part in cutting and removing climate emissions and contributes to international efforts to reduce emissions.
  • The environment and people are protected from climate related harm.
  • New Zealand transitions into a low emission, climate-resilient nation.
  • New Zealanders are able to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
  • The health of waterways, lakes and groundwater is improved/restored for future generations.
  • Water resources (freshwater, coastal and marine) are managed for better environmental outcomes.
  • Maintain the availability of highly productive land for primary production for future generations.
  • Land is resilient and managed for better environmental outcomes.
  • The natural features and landscape values of the coastal environment are preserved.
  • Environmental protection and biodiversity are at the heart of a productive, sustainable and inclusive economy.
  • The environment is protected and restored for the wellbeing of present and future generations.

Sources used for the objectives

The objectives were derived from the following documents:

  • Department of Conservation (2010). New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement.  
  • Department of Conservation (2021). Statement of intent, 2021–2025.  
  • Department of Conservation (2020). Te Mana o te Taiao – The Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy.  
  • Department of Conservation, Ministry for the Environment. (2017). Conservation and Environment Science Roadmap. 
  • Department of Conservation, Ministry for the Environment (2007).  Statement of national priorities for biodiversity.  
  • Government of New Zealand (2020). Wellbeing Budget 2020: Rebuilding Together. 
  • Ihirangi (operational arm of Te Pou Take Āhuarangi for the National Iwi Chairs Forum) (2021). Insight to the Rauora Indigenous Worldview Framework for the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan.  
  • Ministry for the Environment (2022). Emissions reduction plan. 
  • Ministry for Environment (2020). Essential Freshwater: Te Mana o te Wai.  
  • Ministry for the Environment (2022). National adaptation plan. 
  • Ministry for the Environment (2020). National Objectives Framework of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. 
  • Ministry for the Environment (2021). Natural and Built Environments Bill: Parliamentary paper on the exposure draft.  
  • Ministry for the Environment (2020). Statement of intent, 2020-2025.  
  • Ministry for the Environment (2021). Taking responsibility for our waste - waste strategy discussion document. 
  • Ministry for the Environment (2020). Te Mana o te Wai factsheet.  
  • Ministry for Primary Industries (2018) Biosecurity implementation plan.  
  • Ministry for Primary Industries (2020). Fit for a Better World.  
  • Ministry for Primary Industries (2022). MPI Strategic Plan 2022-2023.  
  • Ministry for Primary Industries (2018). Strategic intentions 2018-2023.  
  • Ministry of Transport (2021). Government Policy Statement on land transport. 
  • Regional Council Science Advisory Group (2020). Research for Resource Management Regional Council Research, Science & Technology Strategy. 
  • Tahu Kukutai, Tracey McIntosh, Meihana Durie, Amohia Boulton, Meika Foster, Jessica Hutchings, Melanie Mark-Shadbolt, Helen Barnes, Te Taiawatea Moko-Mead, Sarah-Jane Paine, Suzanne Pitama, Jacinta Ruru, (2021). Te Pūtahitanga: A Tiriti–led Science-Policy Approach for Aotearoa New Zealand.  
  • The Treasury (2021). He Ara Waiora.