This section provides detailed information about the outputs provided and the achievements made against performance measures during 2009/10.
Output Performance Reporting
The outputs and performance measures in this section are those set out in the Statement of Intent 2009–2012 and the Estimates 2009/10, as well as the Output Plan 2009/10 agreed with the Minister for the Environment and Minister for Climate Change Issues. During the year under review, the Ministry and the Minister agreed some changes to the Output Plan. Where this is the case, the relevant outputs and performance measures originally contained in our Statement of Intent 2009–2012 and the Information Supporting the Estimates 2009/10 have been reported on here. For measures that have changed, we have explained the need for the changes and reported against the new measure.
Similar outputs are grouped into output classes within Vote Environment and Vote Climate Change. The output performance information below is ordered by the 11 work programmes in which the Ministry groups its activities.
Quality standards for policy advice
The Ministry’s main output is policy advice, which is primarily captured in the output classes Environmental Policy Advice and Climate Change Policy Advice. The Ministry has policies, standards, best practice documents, and standard operating procedures to ensure its service performance remains at an optimum level. The standards are applied to all aspects of our organisation and are maintained through internal processes to ensure the quality of our policy advice. These processes include peer review and consultation both within the organisation and with relevant external agencies. All significant issues are also discussed by senior management at regular meetings to ensure work programmes remain consistent with the Minister’s priorities.
During the year under review, the Ministry set the following measures for both Vote Environment and Vote Climate Change against which to assess its provision of advice.
All Vote Environment and Vote Climate Change output classes
| Performance target | Performance |
|---|---|
| 100 per cent compliance with the Ministry’s quality standards for analysis and advice, as assessed through satisfactory completion of Cabinet’s regulatory impact assessment requirements. | 90%Footnote 3 |
| Policy advice and analysis assessed through an annual independent external policy quality audit, review and benchmarking process. | Not assessedFootnote 4 |
Vote Environment
Output Class: Environmental Policy Advice
Through this output class, the Minister purchased advice on environmental policies, issues and the implementation of government decisions to achieve a healthy environment, which enhances social and economic well-being.
The key work programmes in the Statement of Intent 2010–2013 were divided into 11 work programmes. Of those 11 work programmes, nine were directly relevant to the Environmental Policy Advice Output Class.
Performance on each of these areas is reported below. Where the performance measure is recorded as ‘not achieved’, approximately half of those outputs were delayed by circumstances beyond the control of the Ministry or were delivered in full but later than intended.
Resources employed
| Actual 2009 $000 | Actual 2010 $000 | Main estimates 2010 $000 | Supplementary estimates 2010 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Revenue: | | | |
| 10,300 | Crown | 34,970 | 40,514 | 37,866 |
| 511 | Departmental | 722 | 406 | 571 |
| 5 | Other | 43 | 5 | 5 |
| 40,816 | Total revenue | 35,785 | 40,925 | 38,442 |
| 40,194 | Total expenses | 35,741 | 40,925 | 38,422 |
| 622 | Net surplus | 44 | 0 | 0 |
The variance between the actual and supplementary estimates is because:
- the Ministry completed a baseline review, which led to a reprioritisation of funding from 2009/10 to 2010/11 onwards. This was to allow for a decreasing baseline, expanded functions such as the Environmental Protection Authority, and work on the Government’s priorities of freshwater management and resource management reforms
- the transfer of aquaculture funding to the Ministry of Fisheries
- the timing of the decision to establish the expanded Environmental Protection Authority from 1 July 2011 meant that limited establishment work was undertaken in 2009/10. This will be a significant priority for the Ministry in 2010/11.
Changing environment work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice to Cabinet on the preferred option(s) to assist local authorities to meet their flood risk management responsibilities and achieve flood risk reduction, including a national policy statement on flood risk management, is provided in accordance with Cabinet guidelines by 30 June 2010. | Not achieved Evidence has been consolidated and progress made on scoping options for managing flood risk. The Cabinet paper has been delayed to allow the Minister to consider the advice he requested from the local government Regional Affairs Committee Floods Sub-committee. This was deferred for consideration to the 2010/11 financial year. |
Land and fresh water work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| All priority deliverables agreed by Cabinet for the 2009/10 year are delivered by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Work on the 10 freshwater policy projects is proceeding. Discussions have commenced with Ministers on the content and scope of the Cabinet report, and preliminary work has started on the overarching policy issues that will be the focus of the Cabinet paper. In line with an extension to the Land and Water Forum reporting date, now the end of August 2010, the deadline for the Cabinet report has been changed to the end of October 2010. |
| Potential minor legislative amendments are prepared for Cabinet’s consideration by 30 June 2010. | Not achieved No specific water-related minor legislative amendments were identified because the focus has been on wider framework issues. Other resource management phase two amendments, including aquaculture decisions that Cabinet has made, will assist with water management. |
| Support is provided to the Land and Water Forum, the Iwi Leaders’ Group and the Canterbury Mayoral Forum to the satisfaction of the Minister. | Achieved The Minister has expressed his satisfaction with the support provided to these two forums and the Iwi Leaders’ Group. Iwi leaders and advisors are closely involved with all projects. There is an excellent working relationship with the Land and Water Forum and a very good relationship with regional councils at chief executive, manager and technical levels. Significant support has been provided for the development of recommendations relating to performance issues at Environment Canterbury. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Appropriate tools are provided for local government to manage fresh water and up to three national instruments are provided for consideration in accordance with Cabinet guidelines by 30 June 2010. | Not achieved Advice on the proposed National Environmental Standard on Ecological Flows and Water Levels and the proposed National Environmental Standard on Fresh Water has been provided to the Minister, who has decided not to progress them to Cabinet until after the Land and Water Forum has reported back. The regulations on the measurement and reporting of water takes have received policy approval from Cabinet and drafting of the regulations has commenced. In January 2010 the Board of Inquiry on the proposed National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management reported back to the Minister on their inquiry. The Minister has forwarded the report to the Iwi Leaders’ Group, Land and Water Forum and officials in order to provide useful content for debate and discussion in their work. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Funding is distributed to the Lake Taupo Protection Joint Committee in accordance with the agreed funding deed. Reports are provided to the Minister annually on the Lake Taupo Protection Programme and the Rotorua Lakes Water Quality Improvement Programme. | Not achieved Funding is being distributed to the Lake Taupo Protection Joint Committee in accordance with the funding deed. Reports on the Lake Taupo Protection Programme and the Rotorua Lakes Water Quality Improvement Programme were provided to the Ministry in July and September 2009 respectively. These 2009/10 reports met the requirements of the respective funding deeds. The Ministry did not report separately to the Minister. The next reports are due in July and September 2010 and the Ministry will then report to the Minister. New options to maximise effectiveness in achieving outcomes are being developed for both programmes. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| All contracted Waikato River non-departmental appropriations delivered by third parties are managed and monitored. | Not achieved The full payments for the Waikato River Independent Scoping Study, the transfer of all co-management funding, the payment of the Clean-up Fund to the Waikato River Initiative Fund have not been made. This is due to the delays in NIWA producing the Waikato River Independent Scoping Study. The production of the study determines the settlement date, which in turn triggers these payments. Interim co-management payments to Ngati Tuwharetoa, Raukawa, Te Arawa and Maniapoto in accordance with their agreements with the Crown have been made. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| A water efficiency labelling product information system is operational by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Water efficiency labelling regulations came into effect under the Fair Trading Act 1986 in April 2010 and these will be legally enforceable from 1 April 2011. Labels are being progressively introduced during the interim 12 month period. The system was operational by 30 June 2010 to ensure those who introduce labelling ahead of the mandatory deadline are able to be supported. The Ministry has provided freely downloadable label artwork, guides to assist suppliers and retailers to understand and comply with the regulations, and information that can be used by consumers. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Applications for new water conservation orders responded to within 10 working days and advice on complete applications is provided to the Minister within 15 working days of receiving a proposal. | Not achieved An application was received for a minor amendment to the Kawerau Water Conservation Order. The initial response to the Minister with advice identifying the need for further information and consultation was not provided within 10 working days due to a shortage of specialist staff resources. Advice to the Minister was provided on the application within 15 working days of the consultation being completed. The Ministry is now waiting for a relevant Environment Court decision before providing final advice to the Minister on the amendment application. |
| Special tribunals considering water conservation orders on the Hurunui River and the Kawarau River amendment are supported to the satisfaction of the Chair of the Tribunal. | Achieved The Tribunal on the Kawarau River amendment continues to be serviced by officials. Servicing of the Tribunal has been described by the Chair as ‘exemplary’ and he stated that ‘all Tribunal members have noted the remarkable support that we have received’. The Hurunui River Tribunal completed its hearings in May 2009, reporting back in August 2009, meaning it was not serviced by Ministry officials during the year under review. The Environment Canterbury commissioners are required under the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act to consider and report on the application for a water conservation order on the Hurunui River. |
Marine environment work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Aquaculture Legislation Amendment Bill (No 2) (2008) is supported through all stages of the House. | Not applicable This Bill was transferred to the Minister of Fisheries who has decided it will not proceed. Some of its content will be incorporated into the broader aquaculture reform Bill. |
| The Technical Advisory Group on Aquaculture Reform under phase two of resource management reform is supported. | Achieved The Technical Advisory Group was supported by officials and delivered its report to Ministers in October 2009. |
| Advice is provided on the Group’s findings and recommended legislative changes by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Ministers were briefed over October and November 2009 on the Technical Advisory Group report and recommended legislative changes. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on the implications of the Foreshore and Seabed review and subsequent policy development is provided in time to effectively consider resource and environmental issues before decisions are taken. | Achieved The Ministry provided analysis to the Ministry of Justice and advice to the Minister for the Environment on the public discussion document and subsequent Foreshore and Seabed Review Cabinet papers. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| The Environmental Effects (Exclusive Economic Zone and Extended Continental Shelf) Bill is introduced to the House of Representatives and supported through all stages of the House. | Not achieved – Measure changed During the year under review this output and measure were updated in agreement with the Minister as per the new measure below. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Cabinet paper with Minister’s approved option is drafted and agreed between agencies. (New measure) | Not achieved The Minister indicated that the Exclusive Economic Zone legislation should proceed in tandem with final decisions on the second phase of work on the Environmental Protection Authority. Ministers now will consider an independent report (due September 2010) into New Zealand’s environmental controls on marine minerals activities before making final decisions on the policy and timelines for the Exclusive Economic Zone legislation. |
Maximising advantage work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| A guide to organising environmentally sustainable major events and a Rugby World Cup environmental framework are developed to the satisfaction of relevant partners by March 2010. | Achieved The Greener Events Guide and Major Event Greening Guide have been completed and published on the Ministry’s website. They have been positively received by host regions, Rugby New Zealand 2011 and Rugby World Cup Limited. The Rugby World Cup 2011 environmental coordination framework has been prepared and consultation undertaken with host regions, Rugby New Zealand 2011, Rugby World Cup Limited, the Minister’s Office and other partners. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Research project measuring the environmental impacts of business is completed by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Relevant data from existing national datasets, as well as case study research to fill data gaps, has been collated. This covers environmental impacts/resource use and the economic contribution of key business sectors, and produces resource efficiency ratios where sufficient data is available. The ratios are calculated according to the resource efficiency framework which was developed in the first phase of the project. The final report on this project also includes a gap analysis to help address some of the many data limitations. |
| Priority business sector focus areas are identified and approved by June 2010. | Achieved Priority sectors for further research have been identified based on criteria including evidence of their scale and impact, priorities for government work programme, and information availability. A contract for this research was awarded in May 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| All environmental provisions associated with preferential trade agreements meet Cabinet requirements and are implemented to meet New Zealand’s obligations under those agreements. | Achieved Trade and environment negotiations: The Ministry has contributed to progressing negotiations for seven new environment cooperation agreements (ECAs) in the context of free trade agreements. The Philippines agreement came into force in August 2009 and ECAs were concluded with Malaysia and Hong Kong. These will come into force on 1 August 2010 and in October 2010 respectively. The Environment Chapter text has been substantially concluded with Korea and draft text for ECAs has been discussed with Bahrain and Oman in the context of the Gulf Cooperation Council-NZ FTA. These agreements are expected to conclude after the FTA is signed later this year. Negotiations for the Trans Pacific Partnership-NZ FTA and the India-NZ FTA are under way and the Ministry has prepared for and/or attended the first two rounds on trade and environment. Implementation of environmental cooperation agreements (ECAs): More than 20 successful cooperation activities have been undertaken with our partner countries Thailand, Trans Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership (P4 Chile, Singapore and Brunei) and China. These include meetings of parties (China and Thailand), and supporting and facilitating seminars, workshops and exchanges of experts in agreed priority areas for cooperation. Activities have focussed particularly on energy efficiency and renewable energy, climate change, invasive species management and biodiversity, chemicals management and agricultural pollution control and reduction. Such cooperation has benefited New Zealand and our partners by promoting strengthened relationships, developing and sharing environmental knowledge and facilitating commercial opportunities in environmental services. A report on implementing the P4 ECA was submitted to the Joint Commission as mandated under the agreement. Discussions have also been held with new environmental cooperation agreement partners, Philippines, Hong Kong and Malaysia to plan and prepare for upcoming first meetings of parties later in 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| All Ministry contributions to New Zealand’s Multilateral Environmental Agreements are completed to the approved policy and relevant mandates. | Achieved All Ministry contributions to Multilateral Environmental Agreements were completed to the approved policy and relevant mandates. |
| Advice on any regulatory amendments required to meet New Zealand’s international obligations is provided by 30 June 2010. | Achieved The Ministry has completed an assessment of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements six conventions (Rotterdam, Stockholm, Basel, Waigani, Montreal and Cartagena) and New Zealand’s interests in being party to the convention, New Zealand’s current obligations, and how we are meeting them. It also addresses how we could better meet these obligations (eg, through the Environmental Protection Authority). Advice was provided to the Minister by 30 June 2010. |
Environmental hazards work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on tools for the assessment of soil contaminants is provided by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Advice provided and Cabinet approved initiating public consultation in October 2009 and workshops with stakeholders were completed in March 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| The contaminated land management systems of six regional councils and 10 district councils are audited by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Systems of 16 local authorities were audited. The audits highlighted a number of potential solutions to help improve territorial authority contaminated land information management systems which the Ministry will discuss with the Minister in 2010/11. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Policy and regulatory changes needed to restrict the import of equipment containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have been identified by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Options for restricting imports have been identified and are now being tested with relevant departments and stakeholders. Proposed regulatory changes are expected to be with the Minister in October 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on management of hazardous substances and new organisms under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act is provided by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Advice was provided to the Minister by 30 June 2010 on a timetable for a package of improvements to Hazardous Substances and New Organisms regulations for completion by the end of 2010. By 30 June the first in a series of papers was provided. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice to the Minister and ERMA on their statutory obligations and ERMA’s performance is provided by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Five Board members were reappointed. The Ministry also briefed the Minister on quarterly reports, the annual monitoring report and the six-monthly report to Treasury. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| All funding for the safe disposal of remaining legacy intractable agrichemicals is distributed upon receipt of invoices and destruction certificates. | Not achieved The Agrecovery Foundation established its voluntary product stewardship scheme for agrichemical chemicals and containers from December 2009 to January 2010 and a funding deed was signed with the Foundation in March 2010. The industry scheme had two collection events and collected 1.6 tonnes of legacy intractable agrichemicals. This was not enough to fill a shipping container for transport to an offshore treatment facility and present an invoice to the Ministry before 30 June 2010. The Deed will be renewed for another year to enable the intended outcomes to occur. |
Sustainability in the built environment work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Updated New Zealand Waste Strategy is submitted for Minister’s approval by December 2009 and published by 30 June 2010. | Not achieved The Ministry revised the Strategy following the Minister’s feedback. The Minister sought further advice from the Waste Advisory Board on the draft revised Strategy. Following Cabinet approval, the Minister is expected to release the revised Strategy in late 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on product stewardship priorities and proposals for managing the top priority product is developed by 30 June 2010. | Not achieved Voluntary industry-led product stewardship is being encouraged rather than pursuing the regulation of priority products. Three voluntary product stewardship schemes have been accredited by the Minister and a further two are undergoing assessment. |
| Accreditation for voluntary product stewardship schemes is managed in line with set criteria. | Achieved The Ministry continues to meet with industry groups to encourage voluntary applications for product stewardship schemes. An application form and guidelines for accrediting non-priority product stewardship schemes were published on the Ministry’s website on 1 December 2009. Three schemes for non-priority products have been accredited by the Minister in accordance with set criteria and two applications are being assessed. Recommendations are expected to be made to the Minister on the present applications in August 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on the scope of the infrastructure-related work to be included in phase two of the resource management reforms is provided to Cabinet in accordance with Cabinet guidelines by 30 August 2009 and Cabinet directions are implemented. | Not achieved The resource management phase two Cabinet paper was considered by the Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee on 1 March 2010. The paper contained a progress report for the 10 workstreams, including infrastructure. The Ministry continues to make progress on phase two infrastructure policy development. An Infrastructure Technical Advisory Group (TAG) was appointed in December 2009 and submitted its final report to the Minister in July 2010. Officials have supported this process. A discussion document on the phase two reforms has been prepared. To provide for an appropriate consultation period in late 2010 on the discussion document the Minister has given agreement for the Ministry to report back to Cabinet later in the 2010/11 financial year. Timing for the preparation of a Bill, in February/March 2011, remains unchanged. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on the scope of the urban-related work to be included in phase two of the resource management reforms is provided to Cabinet in accordance with Cabinet guidelines by 30 August 2009 and Cabinet directions are implemented. | Not achieved The Ministry has developed the urban planning workstream problem statements, based on Cabinet decisions, and developed a suite of policy options to address these. The Minister appointed an Urban Planning Technical Advisory Group in December 2009, which is considering these issues in parallel with officials’ work. The Technical Advisory Group reported to the Minister in June 2010. Officials have supported this process. A discussion document on the phase two reforms has been prepared. To provide for an appropriate consultation period in late 2010 on the discussion document the Minister has given agreement for the Ministry to report back to Cabinet early in the 2010/11 financial year. This will be before the Auckland Council’s establishment. |
| Advice on possible policy options to improve the environmental performance of the built environment is provided to the Minister for the Environment and the Urban Planning Technical Advisory Group in February 2010. | Achieved In February 2010, the Urban Planning Technical Advisory Group and the Minister were provided with a report on the urban planning workstream with resource management phase two work. The report contains context for the workstream, including its alignment with other cross-government policy work, and its problem statements and policy options developed by officials. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on urban issues and the Urban Design Protocol is provided by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Seminars were held during November 2009 in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland for Urban Design Protocol signatories. These seminars were held to raise awareness and understanding of the key findings from the Urban Design Stocktake of Resource Management Pans and Policies report and to provide advice on the changes to the NZS4044 Land Development and Subdivison standard. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| At least 40 delegates nationwide are selected to participate in the youth environment forum and 80 per cent of these are satisfied with the forum. | Achieved The Youth Environment Forum took place from 11–15 April 2010. Forty-six delegates, aged 15 to 18 years, from across New Zealand participated in practical projects on environmental management. Activities over the four days involved field trips and workshops on three environmental themes: caring for our water; managing our waste; and reducing our emissions. Feedback on the forum was completed by 38 of the delegates with 36 (95%) stating the forum met or exceeded their expectations. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| All activities for World Environment Day, including a national environment awards ceremony, are managed to the satisfaction of the Minister. | Achieved Nominations for the Green Ribbon Awards opened on 1 March 2010. The 12 categories reflect the Government’s environmental priorities and the many different ways that New Zealanders create practical initiatives to reduce environmental impacts. Nominations closed on 16 April 2010. The Green Ribbon Awards took place on 3 June 2010. The supreme winner was the Kaharoa Kokako Trust which runs predator control and monitoring programmes to assist in the recovery of kokako in the Kaharoa Conservation Area, Bay of Plenty. |
Environmental governance work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on options for an Environmental Protection Authority is provided to Cabinet in accordance with Cabinet guidelines by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Three options for establishing the Environmental Protection Authority were considered by Cabinet in August 2009. Further analysis was undertaken and Cabinet decisions on the final form and functions were made on 31 May 2010. |
| A transitional Environmental Protection Authority is established and operational when the establishing legislation commences. | Achieved A transitional Environmental Protection Authority was operational on 1 October 2009 to provide for the new functions in the Resource Management Amendment Act 2009. |
| Environmental Protection Authority legislation is introduced to the House of Representatives and supported through all stages of the House to put an Environmental Protection Authority in place by July 2010. | Not achieved – Measure changed During the year under review this measure was updated in agreement with the Minister as per the new measure below. Cabinet consideration of final options was expected in November 2009, but was deferred until March 2010. Final decisions were not taken until May 2010. This meant the timing of legislation and establishment of the new Environmental Protection Authority was delayed. It is anticipated legislation will be introduced to the House in late 2010 (calendar year), with the Environmental Protection Authority in place by 1 July 2011. |
| Environmental Protection Authority legislation is prepared for introduction to the House of Representatives and is supported through all stages of the House. (New measure) | Achieved Drafting instructions are being prepared following Cabinet decisions in May 2010. The Parliamentary Counsel Office has been engaged to begin drafting an Environmental Protection Authority Bill. It is anticipated a draft Bill will be considered by Cabinet Legislation Committee in August 2010, then legislation be introduced to the House late 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice is provided to the Minister as required on the direction, scope and implementation of phase two of the Government’s resource management reforms. | Achieved Briefing papers and advice on the direction, scope and implementation of phase two of the Government’s resource management reforms were provided to the Minister on a regular basis throughout the year. |
| Resource Management Act Amendment Bill 2 is introduced to the House of Representatives by end September 2009 and supported through all stages of the House. | Achieved The Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act was reported back to the House of Representatives on 18 August 2009. It was passed into law and commenced on 1 October 2009. |
| Advice on the scope of work on remaining generic Resource Management Act issues is provided to Cabinet in accordance with Cabinet guidelines by 30 September 2009. | Achieved A Cabinet paper outlining generic Resource Management Act issues and work programme was considered by Cabinet on 21 September 2009. |
| Advice on the scope of potential changes to the legislative interface between the Resource Management Act and other statutes is provided to Cabinet in accordance with Cabinet guidelines by 30 March 2010. | Achieved A Cabinet paper outlining proposed changes to the legislative interface between the Resource Management Act, Building Act 2004, Conservation Act 1987, Forests Act 1949 and Historic Places Act 1993 was considered by Cabinet on 1 March 2010. |
| Amendments to the Resource Management Act and/or other Cabinet-agreed priority deliverables for 2009/10 to achieve the objectives of phase two of resource management reforms are supported through all stages of the House. | Not achieved This work programme could not be agreed for 2009/10. Therefore, the Ministry was not in a position to agree priority deliverables for 2009/10. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Review of the Air Quality National Environmental Standards is completed in accordance with Cabinet directives by 30 June 2010. | Achieved The review was complete when the Technical Advisory Group report was provided in November 2009. Cabinet approved the release of a discussion document in June 2010. Five workshops have been held to explain the discussion document. |
Guidance is provided for users on the implementation of national environmental standards by 30 June 2010:
| Achieved Guidance material for national environmental standards covering human drinking water, electricity transmission (including five workshops and on-line guidance) and telecommunications facilities (including a user’s guide and information pamphlet) were completed by 30 June 2010 and are available on the Ministry’s website. |
Advice on up to three national environmental standards is provided by 30 June 2010:
| Achieved Advice has been provided to Cabinet on proposed National Environmental Standards for Electricity Transmission and On-site Wastewater Systems. Advice on a proposed National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry has been provided to the Minister. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
Best practice advice and training to improve the understanding of the Resource Management Act is delivered to local government, practitioners, iwi, business and the public by 30 June 2010 including:
| Achieved Implementation of Resource Management Act amendments (2009) continues to progress well with major user groups. The Ministry is seeking feedback on the impact of amendments on resource management practice. The Ministry has developed regulations and guidance for the discount policy and will be undertaking presentations with local government in early July 2010. The Ministry has developed best practice case studies and worked with South Waikato District Council on a targeted assistance project. The Making Good Decisions Programme foundation and recertification workshops were delivered. A new industry-led Quarrying and Aggregates guidance note was launched. More than 80% of calls to 0800RMAINFO and queries to rmainfo@mfe.govt.nz were responded to within 24 hours. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on environment-related aspects of negotiations is provided as required. All Ministry obligations under Treaty settlements, foreshore and seabed agreements, and deeds of settlement/agreement (prior to passage of legislation), are met. | Achieved Comment was provided on all Cabinet papers, draft deed of settlement and legislation. Where necessary advice was provided to the Minister for the Environment and support was provided for the Waikato River Settlement Parliamentary process. Achieved The Ministry’s obligations are spread across the Ministry and sit within the core work of specific teams. Therefore, the Ministry’s obligations are met within the current work programmes of relevant teams. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland Governance recommendations for reforming Auckland’s urban planning and water governance is provided in accordance with Cabinet guidelines by 30 June 2010 and Cabinet directions are implemented. | Achieved The Ministry supported the committee through the select committee process. The Bill has now been passed into law. The Auckland Council will be established in November 2010. |
| Advice on the priorities for Auckland local and central government is provided to Cabinet in accordance with Cabinet guidelines by 30 September 2009. | Not achieved The paper was withdrawn. The Minister of Local Government is now required to report to the Cabinet committee on government objectives for Auckland. The report is expected in late October 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Ministry support for the Natural Resources Sector Network meets the expectations and needs of the Chief Executives and their Deputies (as measured by informal and formal feedback). | Achieved The Natural Resources Sector governance group have signed off a number of milestones as part of progressing the NRS’s main purpose of ensuring that a strategic, integrated and aligned approach is taken to natural resources development and management across government agencies. This included signing off the two year work programme and providing feedback on the Ministry’s support role for the NRS. Feedback was sought informally through conversations with members of the governance groups and formally through discussions at the governance meetings including a meeting with the State Services Commissioner. The consensus of opinion was that the NRS is meeting expectations and confirming an ongoing commitment to participation in the network. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on the process and timing for developing a National Policy Statement is delivered to Cabinet in 2010. | Not achieved The Ministry has provided the Minister with a draft Cabinet paper with options on proceeding with the National Policy Statement. Further work on a possible draft National Policy Statement is due by November 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Investigate the performance of Environment Canterbury and the Far North District Council by 28 February 2010, and provide advice as required in response to the findings. | Achieved The review reports were provided to Cabinet and released on 19 February 2010. The Minister was satisfied that no further work was required in relation to the Far North District Council. Cabinet considered its response to the Environment Canterbury report and the Government enacted legislation to appoint Commissioners and address immediate impasses on water management in Canterbury. Commissioners took office on 1 May 2010. |
Evidence base work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Provide advice in accordance with the quality standards for analysis and advice on the introduction of an Environmental Reporting Act. | Not achieved – Measure changed During the year under review this measure was updated in agreement with the Minister as per the new measure below. |
| Advice on the review of options for improving assessment of New Zealand’s environmental performance through the introduction of the proposed Environmental Reporting Act is provided by 30 June 2010 (New measure). | Achieved An interagency working group has developed a draft discussion paper which has been put to Chief Executives of the Natural Resources Sector for their initial feedback. Advice on options was delivered to the Minister by 30 June 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| At least 15 national environmental variables are updated in accordance with the quality standards set by the Official Statistics System by 30 June 2010, with a focus on water and land variables. | Achieved Thirty-six national environmental variables were updated by 30 June 2010 in accordance with the quality standards set by the Official Statistics System, including six water and six land variables. |
| At least three environment reports or surveys are produced by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Eight environment reports or surveys were produced by 30 June 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| National-level biological variables are agreed and added to the set of freshwater indicators by 30 December 2010. | To be reported in the year ended 30 June 2011 During the year under review this measure was updated in agreement with the Minister with the expected date for completion changed to late 2010 (calendar year). This delay occurred because of staff turnover in the Ministry and reprioritisation of effort. A survey to assess the freshwater biological indicators used to monitor rivers by regional councils has been completed and work is progressing to assess the indicators against the Ministry’s indicator criteria. |
| All national freshwater indicator data updated in accordance with the quality standards set by the Official Statistics System by 30 December 2010. | To be reported in the year ended 30 June 2011 During the year under review this measure was updated in agreement with the Minister because indicator data for lake water quality and freshwater demand will not be updated until late 2010 (calendar year). This is due to delays in sourcing data, data quality issues and staff turnover in the Ministry. Indicator data for groundwater quality was updated in the second quarter of 2009/10. Indicator data for river water quality and recreational water quality was updated in the final quarter. Commissioned work to update the lake water quality and freshwater demand indicators is progressing well and will be updated in late 2010 (calendar year). |
| National Environmental Domain Plan is co-produced in cooperation with Statistics New Zealand and the Department of Conservation by 15 March 2010. | Not achieved The work is being led by Statistics New Zealand and has been delayed due to reprioritisation of resources to other projects within Statistics New Zealand. Progress has been made where the key enduring topics have been identified; the data stock take has been completed and published. Work is now under way to assess the existing national-scale data and identify data gaps. Statistics New Zealand has advised the expected date for completion of the Environmental Domain Plan is now April 2011. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| A water research strategy is published by 31 October 2009. | Not achieved The document was published in December 2009 following sign-off by the Ministry and Foundation for Research, Science and Technology. |
| A water strategy implementation plan is developed by 31 March 2010. | Not achieved The work was largely completed in December 2009 and remaining aspects were incorporated into the New Start for Fresh Water work. |
| Actual 2007/08 | Actual 2008/09 | Performance Measures | 2009/10 Performance | Target 2009/10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,248 | 1,196 | Number of Ministerial correspondence. | 1,947 | N/A |
| 90% | 83% | The percentage of Ministerial drafts provided for the Ministers’ signature that are accurate. | 89% | 90% |
| 85% | 82% | The percentage of draft Ministerial replies completed within 10 working days of receipt by the Ministry.Footnote 5 | 94% | 95% |
| 122 | 77 | Number of departmental Official Information Act requests. | 66 | N/A |
| 65% | 71% | The percentage of departmental Official Information Act requests sent out within statutory deadlines. | 97% | 100% |
| 80 | 98 | Number of Ministerial Official Information Act requests. | 126 | N/A |
| 68% | 71% | The percentage of Ministerial Official Information Act requests sent to the Ministers’ Offices within timeframes. | 80% | 100% |
| 317 | 317 | Number of Parliamentary Questions. | 473 | N/A |
| 98% | 100% | The percentage of Parliamentary Questions (including supplementary questions) sent to the Ministers’ Offices within timeframes and quality standards. | N/AFootnote 6 | 100% |
Vote Environment
Output Class: Delivery of Environmental Management Programmes
Through this output class, the Minister purchased the administration (contracting, managing, monitoring and auditing) of a range of environmental management programmes delivered by third parties.
Resources employed
| Actual 2009 $000 | Actual 2010 $000 | Main estimates 2010 $000 | Supplementary estimates 2010 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Revenue: | | | |
| 1,100 | Crown | 1,093 | 1,100 | 1,100 |
| 1,100 | Total Revenue | 1,093 | 1,100 | 1,100 |
| 1,100 | Total Expenses | 1,093 | 1,100 | 1,100 |
| 0 | Net Surplus | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Environmental hazards work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| All contracted environmental programmes delivered by third parties are managed and monitored. | Achieved All contracted environmental programmes delivered by third parties are being managed and monitored. The two funding rounds successfully completed in 2009/10 received 10 applications for funding from territorial authorities. The applications were assessed in accordance with the fund criteria and funding from the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund was committed to nine projects. |
| All funding is allocated according to fund criteria. | Achieved All funding was allocated according to the funding criteria. |
Environmental governance work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| All contracted environmental programmes delivered by third parties are managed and monitored. | Achieved The 53 Sustainable Management Fund 2009/10 funded projects are being actively managed, resulting in successful ongoing delivery by third parties. Options for opening the 2010/11 Sustainable Management Fund funding round are being discussed. Existing multi-year Sustainable Management Fund projects have begun project planning in the final quarter of 2009/10. Phase one of the strategic review of the Ministry’s grants programme has been completed. Action is now being taken to implement the suggested changes across the various grant programmes. |
| All funding is allocated according to fund criteria. | Achieved All funding was successfully allocated based on projects that meet the funding criteria only. |
Vote Environment
Output Class: Environmental Assistance to the Pacific Islands
Through this output class, the Minister purchased the service of working with the waste sector to assist in the removal of unwanted scrap metal from the Cook Islands.
Resources employed
| Actual 2009 $000 | Actual 2010 $000 | Main estimates 2010 $000 | Supplementary estimates 2010 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Revenue: | | | |
| 126 | Other | 27 | 48 | 48 |
| 126 | Total revenue | 27 | 48 | 48 |
| 126 | Total expenses | 27 | 48 | 48 |
| 0 | Net surplus | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sustainability in the built environment work programme
Output: Administer funds for the clean-up of scrap metal from Pacific Island sites.
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| 520 tonnes of scrap metal removed from the Cook Islands. | Not achieved Progress has been slower than expected with 223 tonnes of scrap metal being removed. A visit to assess the project was made in September 2009. Recommendations were made to the Cook Islands Government by NZAID following a report from the Ministry. Progress has been made on the recommendations, including improving processes and support, and project progress reports have been received. Progress has also been affected by the price of scrap metal falling below the economic viability level anticipated in the original project design. The project was only able to process remaining scrap at a loss, resulting in reduced activity during the year under review. |
Vote Environment
Output Class: Resource Management Act CalI Ins
Through this output class, the Minister purchased the public notification process for considering nationally significant applications under the Resource Management Act, where the Minister for the Environment exercises the call-in powers under the legislation, and where necessary, provides support to boards of inquiry.
Resources employed
| Actual 2009 $000 | Actual 2010 $000 | Main estimates 2010 $000 | Supplementary estimates 2010 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Revenue: | | | |
| 1,719 | Other | 1,393 | 1,265 | 4,086 |
| 1,719 | Total revenue | 1,393 | 1,265 | 4,086 |
| 1,719 | Total expenses | 1,393 | 1,265 | 4,086 |
| 0 | Net surplus | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The variance between the actual and supplementary estimates is because the supplementary estimates provided an allowance for potential applications which did not eventuate.
Environmental governance work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Applications are processed in accordance with statutory requirements. | Achieved All applications were processed in accordance with statutory requirements. Applications processed were: Transpower’s North Island Grid Upgrade proposal (completed); Contact Energy’s Hauāuru mā raki Wind Farm (in process at 30 June 2010); Mighty River Power’s Turitea Wind Farm (in process at 30 June 2010). |
| Number of decisions overturned on judicial review. | Achieved No judicial reviews have been received for call ins or matters processed by the Environmental Protection Authority. |
Vote Environment
Output Class: Applications to the Environmental Protection Authority
This output class was introduced in the Supplementary Estimates 2009/10. Through this output class, the Minister purchased assistance with statutory functions under the Resource Management Act, including processing applications and assisting applicants to the Environmental Protection Authority.
Resources employed
| Actual 2009 $000 | Actual 2010 $000 | Main estimates 2010 $000 | Supplementary estimates 2010 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Revenue: | | | |
| 0 | Other | 463 | 0 | 2,000 |
| 0 | Total revenue | 463 | 0 | 2,000 |
| 0 | Total expenses | 463 | 0 | 2,000 |
| 0 | Net surplus | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Environmental governance work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Percentage of applications to the Environmental Protection Authority assessed for national significance and a recommendation made to the Minister within 20 working days. | Achieved 100 per cent of applications lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority during the year under review and a recommendation to the Minister from the Environmental Protection Authority was made within 20 working days. |
| Percentage of applications to the Environmental Protection Authority processed within nine months. | Not applicable The only matter in process with the Environmental Protection Authority is still within the nine month processing period as at 30 June 2010. Therefore, it will be reported on in the 2010/11 financial year. |
| Number of decisions overturned on judicial review. | Achieved No judicial reviews have been received for call ins or matters processed by the Environmental Protection Authority. |
Vote Environment
Output Class: Waste Minimisation
Through this output class, the Minister purchased the administration of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, including administering the waste disposal levy and the Waste Minimisation Fund.
Resources employed
| Actual 2009 $000 | Actual 2010 $000 | Main estimates 2010 $000 | Supplementary estimates 2010 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Revenue: | | | |
| 0 | Crown | 2,097 | 0 | 2,260 |
| 0 | Other | 0 | 2,260 | 0 |
| 0 | Total revenue | 2,097 | 2,260 | 2,260 |
| 0 | Total expenses | 2,097 | 2,260 | 2,260 |
| 0 | Net surplus | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sustainability in the built environment work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Implement and operate processes established through the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. | Achieved The first funding round for the Waste Minimisation Fund was open from 1 December 2009 to 1 March 2010. Of the 163 eligible applications received, 29 have progressed through the assessment process Stage II Project Planning. Announcements on successful applications are planned to occur from August 2010. Systems and processes for payments of the territorial authority share of the waste disposal levy have been successfully established. The first payment was distributed on 20 January 2010 and the second payment on 20 April 2010. Systems and processes for accreditation of voluntary product stewardship schemes were established by December 2009. At 30 June 2010 three voluntary product stewardship schemes had been successfully accredited. |
| Payment of the waste levy by third parties (waste disposal operators) is managed and monitored. | Achieved To date all required payments due from disposal facility operators have been received since the levy was introduced on 1 July 2009. Independent auditors have been appointed and auditing of disposal facilities will begin from August 2010. |
| An annual waste disposal baseline measure is established by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Monthly returns from all registered disposal facility operators have been received since the levy was introduced on 1 July 2009. The net waste disposed during 2009/10 is approximately 2.5 million tonnes. |
Vote Environment
Departmental Capital Expenditure
The Minister purchased the acquisition or development of assets by, and for the use of, the Ministry for the Environment.
Resources employed
| Actual 2009 $000 | Actual 2010 $000 | Main estimates 2010 $000 | Supplementary estimates 2010 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Capital expenditure appropriation: | | | |
| 340 | Plant and equipment | 242 | 375 | 242 |
| 1,584 | Intagibles | 1,283 | 1,111 | 1,283 |
| 1,924 | Total capital expenditure appropriation: | 1,525 | 1,486 | 1,525 |
| 1,762 | Total expenses | 1,114 | 1,486 | 1,525 |
| 162 | Net surplus | 411 | 0 | 0 |
| Performance measure | 2008/09 Performance |
|---|---|
| Phase two of the Land Use and Carbon Analysis System database is developed by 30 June 2010. | Not achieved – Measure changed During the year under review this measure was updated in agreement with the Minister as per the new measure below. |
| Phase 2 of the Land Use and Carbon Analysis System database is developed by 30 September 2010. (New measure) | To be reported in the year ended 30 June 2011 Phase 1 of the LUCAS database has been in place since 29 September 2009. The functional specification work of phase two was under way at the end of March 2010. |
Vote Climate Change
Output Class: Carbon Monitoring Programme
Through this output class, the Minister purchased the development and implementation of the New Zealand Carbon Monitoring Programme. It ensures data entering our Land Use and Carbon Analysis System on our land use, land-use change and forestry data in the National Inventory Report is accurate, robust and meets international reporting requirements.
Resources employed
| Actual 2009 $000 | Actual 2010 $000 | Main estimates 2010 $000 | Supplementary estimates 2010 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Revenue: | | | |
| 9,181 | Crown | 8,119 | 9,612 | 8,823 |
| 9,181 | Total revenue | 8,119 | 9,612 | 8,823 |
| 9,122 | Total expenses | 8,119 | 9,612 | 8,823 |
| 59 | Net surplus | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Evidence base work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| The supplementary Kyoto Protocol tables are complete and submitted in the annual national inventory. | Achieved The final version of the supplementary Kyoto Protocol tables was submitted to the United Nations as part of the annual national inventory by the 15 April 2010 deadline. |
Vote Climate Change
Output Class: Climate Change – Policy Advice
Through this output class, the Minister purchased climate change policy advice, as well as advice on the resilience and adaptation of New Zealand’s economy, society and environment to climate change.
Resources employed
| Actual 2009 $000 | Actual 2010 $000 | Main estimates 2010 $000 | Supplementary estimates 2010 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Revenue: | | | |
| 11,9760 | Crown | 10,854 | 14,289 | 12,289 |
| 80 | Departmental | 48 | 55 | 55 |
| 12,025 | Total revenue | 10,902 | 14,344 | 12,344 |
| 11,876 | Total expenses | 10,902 | 14,344 | 12,344 |
| 180 | Net surplus | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Atmosphere work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| All international submissions and negotiating timelines (milestones) for New Zealand’s international position on Climate Change are met. | Achieved All timelines/milestones were met. The Ministry has provided ongoing analysis and advice in relation to New Zealand’s negotiating position under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and in relation to the Copenhagen Accord. Input was provided into negotiating texts, briefing material and information packs to support formal climate change negotiations and increased informal climate change meetings and discussions post-Copenhagen. The Ministry has provided input into determining the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change work programme, including for the period leading up to the conference of the parties / CMP in Mexico in December 2010. |
| Bilateral engagement and partnerships on climate change issues with key partners have been progressed by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Ongoing and wide-ranging bilateral engagement throughout the year. Bilateral climate change talks took place with Australia on 30–31 March 2010, including on the Australia-New Zealand Climate Change Partnership. Bilateral meetings took place with the Republic of Korea, Japan and Singapore in February 2010 and with Norway, Columbia, South Africa, Japan and the USA in Bonn in June 2010. The need for existing and additional bilateral partnerships will be assessed as outcomes from the Copenhagen conference and the process for continuing international dialogue on climate change issues becomes clearer. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice and support is provided to the Special Select Committee established to review climate change policy and the Emissions Trading Scheme. | Achieved Advice and support were provided in relation to the drafting of the departmental report, responding to information requests and drafting of the government response. The Special Select Committee reported back to the House on 31 August 2009 and the government response to the Select Committee recommendations has been published. |
| Legislation to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 is introduced to the House of Representatives in 2009 and supported through all stages of the House. | Achieved Legislation passed through its Parliamentary stages and received Royal Assent on 7 December 2009. |
| Advice is provided to the Minister on Crown-iwi engagement on changes to the NZ ETS by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Advice was provided to the Minister in relation to the NZ ETS reflecting Māori issues were agreed as part of legislative process, including a Treaty clause with specific requirements to consult iwi. Consultation with iwi on the New Zealand ETS has occurred as required by the Treaty clause. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme implementation milestones met for the entry of mandatory reporting for the Stationary Energy and Industrial Processes and Liquid Fossil Fuels sectors in 2010 and planned milestones met for inclusion of remaining sectors. | Achieved Regulations for Stationary Energy and Industrial Processes, and Liquid Fossil Fuels were in force from 1 January 2010 for those sectors to begin monitoring and reporting. Draft regulations for the Waste, Synthetic Gases, and Agriculture sectors were issued for consultation. |
| Subject to Cabinet decisions, allocation plans for the Stationary Energy and Industrial Processes and Fishing sectors are developed. | Achieved The Fishing Allocation Plan was issued and applications opened on 21 June 2010. The Ministry provided certainty to firms representing just over 50 per cent of industrial units to be allocated by 1 July 2010. Firms representing over 40 per cent of industrial units have requested further time for the allocation process. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Advice on the development of a purchasing strategy to ensure Crown obligations under the Kyoto Protocol are achieved is provided by 30 June 2010. | Achieved Advice was provided in February 2010. The advice explains the Crown’s obligations under Kyoto and the NZ ETS, and gives a projection of the Crown’s position at the end of 2012. It also recommends a strategy for managing the risks of an emissions unit deficit in the light of uncertainty in the number of forestry units likely to be allocated under the NZ ETS. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Crown obligations under the Projects to Reduce Emissions (PRE) and Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements (NGA) and SF6 MOUs are met by 30 June 2010 and the administrative functions under the PRE, NGAs, SF6 MOUs and the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation are fulfilled. | Achieved All Crown obligations were met and administrative functions fulfilled. Negotiations are underway with Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements firms to reflect the introduction of the ETS on 1 July 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Voluntary Corporate Greenhouse Gas Reporting Guidelines updated annually. | Achieved Updated guidelines have been published. |
Changing environment work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Guidance developed and information provided to meet gaps and needs identified in collaboration with priority partners. | Achieved A national environmental standard has been recommended to the Minister as a tool to cope with sea-level rise. Guidance and information on climate change impacts and adaptation was provided eg, urban adaptation materials and case studies. |
| A discussion document on coping with sea-level rise is prepared for Cabinet consideration in accordance with Cabinet guidelines by 1 August 2009. | Achieved A Cabinet paper to release a discussion document was presented to Cabinet in July 2009. A later draft Cabinet paper was provided to the Minister in November 2009. The paper was deferred for consideration to in 2010/11 financial year. |
| Cabinet directions on coping with sea-level rise are implemented. | Not achieved Advice was provided in November 2009 and a decision was made by the Minister to defer further consideration of proposals relating to sea-level rise to the 2010/11 financial year. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Managing flood risk (in a context of climate change) summary guidance report is published by 30 March 2010. | Not achieved The summary guidance document Preparing for Future Flooding was published in May 2010. |
Evidence base work programme
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| New Zealand’s Fifth National Communication is prepared and submitted to the UNFCCC requirements by 1 January 2010. | Achieved The Fifth National Communication was submitted by the deadline of 1 January 2010. |
| New Zealand meets its obligation to contribute inventory experts to the international inventory review process in September 2009 and have completed review reports by April 2010. | Achieved New Zealand contributed four experts to the review process in September 2009. Review reports have been completed and were sent to parties by April 2010. Four new experts have qualified to be United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change reviewers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (2), the Ministry of Economic Development (1) and the Ministry for the Environment (1). |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| New Zealand’s annual greenhouse gas inventory is prepared and submitted to meet the reporting requirements by 15 April 2010. | Achieved The annual inventory compilation process was completed by 15 April 2010. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Projections data and reports (including the net position report) are produced to Audit New Zealand standards by 15 May 2010. | Achieved Projections were delivered ahead of time in April 2010. Projections were updated for the projections chapter of the fifth national communication and were revised to include latest data from Land Use and Carbon Analysis System and Emissions Trading Scheme implementation. The projections were deemed to be materially correct by the Office of the Controller and Auditor General for inclusion in the Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand. |
| Performance measure | 2009/10 Performance |
|---|---|
| New Zealand’s financial and participatory requirements for membership of the IPCC are met through the Ministry’s role as New Zealand Focal Point for the IPCC, and the IPCC work programme reflects New Zealand’s needs. | Achieved New Zealand has continued to contribute its voluntary funding share to the IPCC Trust Fund and to support New Zealand scientists and officials contributing to the IPCC process. Officials worked to ensure that the scope of the next, Fifth, IPCC Assessment Report covers New Zealand interests. Eleven New Zealand authors were selected for this IPCC Fifth Assessment Report at the IPCC Bureau meeting in June 2010: three Co-ordinating Lead Authors, five Lead Authors and two Review Editors. Their selection helps ensure a New Zealand science viewpoint will be reflected in the next Assessment Report. |
Ministerial support
Note: The Ministerial support table further up this page covers performance for Vote Climate Change.
Back to footnote reference 3 The achievement of 90 per cent refers to regulatory impact statements assessed by the Ministry and the Treasury in relation to advice that was assessed as being partially or fully compliant.
Back to footnote reference 4 Not assessed as a review of policy function capability was undertaken in 2009/10.
Back to footnote reference 5 The timeliness measure for Ministerial correspondence changed during 2007/08 from 20 working days to 10 working days in agreement with the Ministers.
Back to footnote reference 6 Timeframes were met 100% and quality standards were not measured in 2009/10 due to system limitations.
Statement of service performance for the year ended 30 June 2010
October 2010
© Ministry for the Environment