Latest news with #SimonUpton
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Research Reveals New Zealand's Natural Resource Footprint
Press Release – Parliamentary Commissioner For The Environment Four basics, food, housing, infrastructure and transport, accounted for 72% of natural resource use. Around 60% of the resources consumed in New Zealand were extracted overseas and imported. New research from the office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment reveals that about 107 million tonnes of natural resources were required to produce the goods and services consumed by New Zealanders in 2019 – approximately 21 tonnes per person on average. This 'natural resource footprint' is detailed in a research note released today by the office of the Commissioner. Entitled, Resource use and waste generation in Aotearoa New Zealand: filling (some) gaps, the note summarises the next stage of a major investigation into how natural resources are used and disposed of in New Zealand. This work involved in-house and contracted research on New Zealand's natural resource production and consumption. 'The footprint produced for 2019 is based on research that analysed how many tonnes of natural resources were extracted domestically, and how many tonnes were used in the production of huge variety of goods and services that New Zealand imports every year,' the Commissioner, Simon Upton explains. 'This research enabled my office to create the most complete picture, to date, of the quantity of natural resources required to support a 'typical' New Zealand lifestyle – regardless of where in the world those resources originated,' he says. This research is one of five pieces of work commissioned by the Commissioner to fill information gaps in resource use and waste generation identified in the first stage of the investigation. The other research looks at plastic waste, metal requirements for the green energy transition, soil vulnerabilities and the environmental pressures of resource use. The Commissioner hopes that releasing this information now will support evidence-based discussions on resource use and waste generation in New Zealand. 'Further work, including on what the future might bring, is needed before I can draw any conclusions about what this all means for environmental management in New Zealand or how we might shift the dial towards a more environmentally sustainable economy,' the Commissioner says. The Commissioner's final report on natural resource use and waste generation is hoped to be published within the next 18 months. The natural resource footprint for 2019 found that: 107 million tonnes of natural resources (such as sand, gravel, meat, dairy, oil) were used in the production of the goods and services consumed by New Zealanders, equating to approximately 21 tonnes of natural resources per person on average. Four basics, food, housing, infrastructure and transport, accounted for 72% of natural resource use. Around 60% of the resources consumed in New Zealand were extracted overseas and imported. Available data suggests the share of our resource needs imported from other countries has increased over recent decades. 130–135 million tonnes of natural resources were extracted from New Zealand (excluding water), 90% of this was organic materials (food, wood, crops) and non-metallic minerals such as limestone, coal and clay. One third of domestically extracted resources were consumed here, while two thirds were exported either as raw commodities (e.g. logs or coal) or 'embedded' within processed products (e.g. meat or steel). New Zealand's resource use has almost doubled in the last 25 years, growing roughly in line with incomes. Note: Water has not been included in the natural resource footprint as current deficiencies in data means it is not possible to compile a nationally consistent account of New Zealand's water use.
Scoop
28-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
New Research Reveals New Zealand's Natural Resource Footprint
New research from the office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment reveals that about 107 million tonnes of natural resources were required to produce the goods and services consumed by New Zealanders in 2019 – approximately 21 tonnes per person on average. This 'natural resource footprint' is detailed in a research note released today by the office of the Commissioner. Entitled, Resource use and waste generation in Aotearoa New Zealand: filling (some) gaps, the note summarises the next stage of a major investigation into how natural resources are used and disposed of in New Zealand. This work involved in-house and contracted research on New Zealand's natural resource production and consumption. 'The footprint produced for 2019 is based on research that analysed how many tonnes of natural resources were extracted domestically, and how many tonnes were used in the production of huge variety of goods and services that New Zealand imports every year,' the Commissioner, Simon Upton explains. 'This research enabled my office to create the most complete picture, to date, of the quantity of natural resources required to support a 'typical' New Zealand lifestyle – regardless of where in the world those resources originated,' he says. This research is one of five pieces of work commissioned by the Commissioner to fill information gaps in resource use and waste generation identified in the first stage of the investigation. The other research looks at plastic waste, metal requirements for the green energy transition, soil vulnerabilities and the environmental pressures of resource use. The Commissioner hopes that releasing this information now will support evidence-based discussions on resource use and waste generation in New Zealand. 'Further work, including on what the future might bring, is needed before I can draw any conclusions about what this all means for environmental management in New Zealand or how we might shift the dial towards a more environmentally sustainable economy,' the Commissioner says. The Commissioner's final report on natural resource use and waste generation is hoped to be published within the next 18 months. The natural resource footprint for 2019 found that: 107 million tonnes of natural resources (such as sand, gravel, meat, dairy, oil) were used in the production of the goods and services consumed by New Zealanders, equating to approximately 21 tonnes of natural resources per person on average. Four basics, food, housing, infrastructure and transport, accounted for 72% of natural resource use. Around 60% of the resources consumed in New Zealand were extracted overseas and imported. Available data suggests the share of our resource needs imported from other countries has increased over recent decades. 130–135 million tonnes of natural resources were extracted from New Zealand (excluding water), 90% of this was organic materials (food, wood, crops) and non-metallic minerals such as limestone, coal and clay. One third of domestically extracted resources were consumed here, while two thirds were exported either as raw commodities (e.g. logs or coal) or 'embedded' within processed products (e.g. meat or steel). New Zealand's resource use has almost doubled in the last 25 years, growing roughly in line with incomes. Note: Water has not been included in the natural resource footprint as current deficiencies in data means it is not possible to compile a nationally consistent account of New Zealand's water use.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Nature In The Balance: EDS Wraps Up Landmark Dollars And Sense Conference
The conference explored how to reshape land use practices to enhance biodiversity and carbon resilience. Speakers including Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton raised concerns about perverse incentives driving pine afforestation … The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has concluded its landmark 2025 Dollars and Sense Conference in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, drawing together over 350 delegates across government, business, iwi, academia, and civil society for three days of frank, future-focused conversation on aligning economic systems with ecological realities. The conference, subtitled Making the Economy Work for Nature, comes at a pivotal moment for Aotearoa New Zealand. The Government talks a lot about economic growth. But the question asked at the conference was: how can we achieve that growth while also restoring and protecting our natural environment? And to what extent is the long term prosperity of the country dependant on thriving nature? The event opened with an oceans symposium, which you can read about here, and was followed by two full days of intensive discussion on climate change, energy, biodiversity, freshwater, land use, environmental law reform, and the green economy. Day one began with sobering international and local updates on biodiversity loss, climate instability and systemic risks, urging more adaptive governance and stronger investment in prevention and resilience. We are in a moment of accelerating risk, but we are not without options. The challenge is having the courage to take them. The conference explored how to reshape land use practices to enhance biodiversity and carbon resilience. Speakers including Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton raised concerns about perverse incentives driving pine afforestation in our rural landscapes. Many called for greater support for place-based native ecosystem restoration and more robust data systems. Te Maire Tau challenged delegates to rethink environmental governance through a te ao Māori lens, including proposals for smart water markets that internalise environmental costs and ensure shared obligations. Legal personhood for nature and recognition of mauri in environmental decision-making were highlighted as models with growing potential. A central theme was the opportunity within the green economy. EU Ambassador Lawrence Meredith offered insight into Europe's progress toward net zero, while Dr Rod Carr outlined the economic logic of energy transformation. 'The business case is made. The technology is proven. The funding is available,' said Dr Carr. 'Our choices are the only thing in the way.' Sir Ian Taylor urged us to 'fast track to the future' and not to the past. Resource management reform was another major focus. Reforming the Resource Management Act has the potential to deliver win-wins for the economy and nature. But delegates heard very little of that from Minister Bishop and Under Secretary Simon Court. While many acknowledged the need for change, there was deep concern about the current direction of travel, described by some as dis-integrated and driven by political urgency rather than long-term environmental planning. Multiple speakers expressed frustration about the erosion of environmental protections and the absence of robust national bottom lines. The over-arching message from the conference was that nature is not a handbrake on economic growth. The two can go hand in hand and need to do so. But this will require clear-headed and clever thinking on the issues, something that has been lacking in recent political discourse. 'This year marks the 20th anniversary of EDS's environmental conferences. For two decades we've been creating spaces for these vital conversations. Finding solutions has never been more important,' said EDS CEO Gary Taylor.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Nature In The Balance: EDS Wraps Up Landmark Dollars And Sense Conference
Press Release – EDS The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has concluded its landmark 2025 Dollars and Sense Conference in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, drawing together over 350 delegates across government, business, iwi, academia, and civil society for three days of frank, future-focused conversation on aligning economic systems with ecological realities. The conference, subtitled Making the Economy Work for Nature, comes at a pivotal moment for Aotearoa New Zealand. The Government talks a lot about economic growth. But the question asked at the conference was: how can we achieve that growth while also restoring and protecting our natural environment? And to what extent is the long term prosperity of the country dependant on thriving nature? The event opened with an oceans symposium, which you can read about here, and was followed by two full days of intensive discussion on climate change, energy, biodiversity, freshwater, land use, environmental law reform, and the green economy. Day one began with sobering international and local updates on biodiversity loss, climate instability and systemic risks, urging more adaptive governance and stronger investment in prevention and resilience. We are in a moment of accelerating risk, but we are not without options. The challenge is having the courage to take them. The conference explored how to reshape land use practices to enhance biodiversity and carbon resilience. Speakers including Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton raised concerns about perverse incentives driving pine afforestation in our rural landscapes. Many called for greater support for place-based native ecosystem restoration and more robust data systems. Te Maire Tau challenged delegates to rethink environmental governance through a te ao Māori lens, including proposals for smart water markets that internalise environmental costs and ensure shared obligations. Legal personhood for nature and recognition of mauri in environmental decision-making were highlighted as models with growing potential. A central theme was the opportunity within the green economy. EU Ambassador Lawrence Meredith offered insight into Europe's progress toward net zero, while Dr Rod Carr outlined the economic logic of energy transformation. 'The business case is made. The technology is proven. The funding is available,' said Dr Carr. 'Our choices are the only thing in the way.' Sir Ian Taylor urged us to 'fast track to the future' and not to the past. Resource management reform was another major focus. Reforming the Resource Management Act has the potential to deliver win-wins for the economy and nature. But delegates heard very little of that from Minister Bishop and Under Secretary Simon Court. While many acknowledged the need for change, there was deep concern about the current direction of travel, described by some as dis-integrated and driven by political urgency rather than long-term environmental planning. Multiple speakers expressed frustration about the erosion of environmental protections and the absence of robust national bottom lines. The over-arching message from the conference was that nature is not a handbrake on economic growth. The two can go hand in hand and need to do so. But this will require clear-headed and clever thinking on the issues, something that has been lacking in recent political discourse. 'This year marks the 20th anniversary of EDS's environmental conferences. For two decades we've been creating spaces for these vital conversations. Finding solutions has never been more important,' said EDS CEO Gary Taylor.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Nature In The Balance: EDS Wraps Up Landmark Dollars And Sense Conference
The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has concluded its landmark 2025 Dollars and Sense Conference in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, drawing together over 350 delegates across government, business, iwi, academia, and civil society for three days of frank, future-focused conversation on aligning economic systems with ecological realities. The conference, subtitled Making the Economy Work for Nature, comes at a pivotal moment for Aotearoa New Zealand. The Government talks a lot about economic growth. But the question asked at the conference was: how can we achieve that growth while also restoring and protecting our natural environment? And to what extent is the long term prosperity of the country dependant on thriving nature? The event opened with an oceans symposium, which you can read about here, and was followed by two full days of intensive discussion on climate change, energy, biodiversity, freshwater, land use, environmental law reform, and the green economy. Day one began with sobering international and local updates on biodiversity loss, climate instability and systemic risks, urging more adaptive governance and stronger investment in prevention and resilience. We are in a moment of accelerating risk, but we are not without options. The challenge is having the courage to take them. The conference explored how to reshape land use practices to enhance biodiversity and carbon resilience. Speakers including Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton raised concerns about perverse incentives driving pine afforestation in our rural landscapes. Many called for greater support for place-based native ecosystem restoration and more robust data systems. Te Maire Tau challenged delegates to rethink environmental governance through a te ao Māori lens, including proposals for smart water markets that internalise environmental costs and ensure shared obligations. Legal personhood for nature and recognition of mauri in environmental decision-making were highlighted as models with growing potential. A central theme was the opportunity within the green economy. EU Ambassador Lawrence Meredith offered insight into Europe's progress toward net zero, while Dr Rod Carr outlined the economic logic of energy transformation. 'The business case is made. The technology is proven. The funding is available,' said Dr Carr. 'Our choices are the only thing in the way.' Sir Ian Taylor urged us to 'fast track to the future' and not to the past. Resource management reform was another major focus. Reforming the Resource Management Act has the potential to deliver win-wins for the economy and nature. But delegates heard very little of that from Minister Bishop and Under Secretary Simon Court. While many acknowledged the need for change, there was deep concern about the current direction of travel, described by some as dis-integrated and driven by political urgency rather than long-term environmental planning. Multiple speakers expressed frustration about the erosion of environmental protections and the absence of robust national bottom lines. The over-arching message from the conference was that nature is not a handbrake on economic growth. The two can go hand in hand and need to do so. But this will require clear-headed and clever thinking on the issues, something that has been lacking in recent political discourse. 'This year marks the 20th anniversary of EDS's environmental conferences. For two decades we've been creating spaces for these vital conversations. Finding solutions has never been more important,' said EDS CEO Gary Taylor. Environmental Defence Society EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence. Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes. EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement. EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference. EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
