Stronger Law.Better Future.

EDS combines staunch advocacy with relationship building to deliver lasting environmental protection.

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We do three things to achieve improved environmental outcomes.

Our policy team researches, develops and advocates for environmental solutions.

Our litigation enforces and strengthens the law, ensuring an environmental voice is heard in the courts.

Our events bring people together to share knowledge and build momentum.

What we do

Media releases

24 October 2024

Resource Management Reform: Cabinet Paper Released

The Government's Cabinet Paper on replacing the Resource Management Act reveals some glimmer of hope for the environment.
The Government's Cabinet Paper on replacing the Resource Management Act reveals some glimmer of hope for the environment.
18 October 2024

Select Committee Report: no let-up in the Government’s war on nature

The Environment Select Committee has reported back to Parliament on the Fast-track Approvals Bill. Unsurprisingly, there are majority and minority reports with the Government members following Ministerial directions and largely ignoring the 27,000 submissions, mostly opposed to the Bill.
The Environment Select Committee has reported back to Parliament on the Fast-track Approvals Bill. Unsurprisingly, there are majority and minority reports with the Government members following Ministerial directions and largely ignoring the 27,000 submissions, mostly opposed to the Bill.
16 October 2024

Report back on the Fast-track Approvals Bill coming this Friday: what to look for

The Environment Select Committee is expected to report back to the House this Friday afternoon on the Fast-track Approvals Bill. The Committee received some 27,000 submissions and heard from over 1,000 submitters, most against. Read EDS's suggestions for improvement to the BIll.
The Environment Select Committee is expected to report back to the House this Friday afternoon on the Fast-track Approvals Bill. The Committee received some 27,000 submissions and heard from over 1,000 submitters, most against. Read EDS's suggestions for improvement to the BIll.
13 October 2024

EDS delighted that Cabinet agrees to pass Hauraki Gulf marine protection

Cabinet recently agreed to pass the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill into law. “It’s been a long time coming but wonderful to be finally getting to the finish line" said EDS Policy Director Raewyn Peart.
Cabinet recently agreed to pass the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill into law. “It’s been a long time coming but wonderful to be finally getting to the finish line" said EDS Policy Director Raewyn Peart.
6 October 2024

Huge number of projects to be fast-tracked; some good, some bad

The Government has today announced 149 projects will be listed in the Fast-track Approvals Bill. The list of questionable projects includes coal mines, open pit gold mines on conservation covenants, and many more disasters for our natural environment.
The Government has today announced 149 projects will be listed in the Fast-track Approvals Bill. The list of questionable projects includes coal mines, open pit gold mines on conservation covenants, and many more disasters for our natural environment.

Featured content

Event

Dollars & Sense: Making the economy work for nature

12-14 May 2025
Grand Millennium Hotel, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Event

Webinar: Restoring Nature: Reform of the conservation management system

Monday 23 September; midday - 12.45pm
Online

EDS in the news

21 October 2024

The big change to the Resource Management Act very little is known about

The verdict on freshly announced plans for the replacement of resource management came in a swirl of words. Minister for Resource Management Reform and Infrastructure Chris Bishop and ACT's Simon Court had just delivered a speech to hundreds of resource management lawyers at their annual conference.
The verdict on freshly announced plans for the replacement of resource management came in a swirl of words. Minister for Resource Management Reform and Infrastructure Chris Bishop and ACT's Simon Court had just delivered a speech to hundreds of resource management lawyers at their annual conference.
18 October 2024

Hauraki Gulf protections – perfect can be enemy of the good

Cabinet’s late decision to allow ring-net fishing in two of the new high protection areas has generated a chorus of disapproval but we can’t afford to get bogged down in wrangling for another decade.
Cabinet’s late decision to allow ring-net fishing in two of the new high protection areas has generated a chorus of disapproval but we can’t afford to get bogged down in wrangling for another decade.
14 October 2024

What’s the point of the Fast-track Bill?

Fast-track projects seemingly picked at random, with no strategic direction in mind.
Fast-track projects seemingly picked at random, with no strategic direction in mind.
8 October 2024

The fast-track bill: the good, the bad and the clumsy

Without changes to the fast-track legislation, projects will be subject to legal challenges and risk losing social licence.
Without changes to the fast-track legislation, projects will be subject to legal challenges and risk losing social licence.
8 October 2024

Fast track list, questions over expert panels

It's questionable whether New Zealand will have enough expertise to hear all the listed fast-track panels.
It's questionable whether New Zealand will have enough expertise to hear all the listed fast-track panels.
7 October 2024

Nick Leggett & Gary Taylor: The projects picked for fast track approval

The Fast-track Approvals Bill has a heavy bias towards development, appropriate consideration and weighting for environmental and climate matters is required.
The Fast-track Approvals Bill has a heavy bias towards development, appropriate consideration and weighting for environmental and climate matters is required.

Featured content

EDS Book

Environmental Defenders: Fighting for our Natural World

Environmental Defenders tells the story of how EDS has mobilised the law to protect some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most precious places.
Support EDS

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Law and policy submissions

26 August 2024

Submission on draft Second Emissions Reduction Plan

ERP2 is lacking in substantive gross emissions action and relies too heavily on exotic forestry removals.

ERP2 is lacking in substantive gross emissions action and relies too heavily on exotic forestry removals.

30 July 2024

Feedback on Minerals Strategy Consultation 2024

Mining must be undertaken at the right scale and in the right location having regard to environmental values. The Strategy does not support that approach.

Mining must be undertaken at the right scale and in the right location having regard to environmental values. The Strategy does not support that approach.

17 July 2024

EDS Speaking Notes: Submission on Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill

The Bill lacks a clear evidence-basis, removes critical protections for freshwater and indigenous biodiversity, and is inconsistent with Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate change obligations.

The Bill lacks a clear evidence-basis, removes critical protections for freshwater and indigenous biodiversity, and is inconsistent with Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate change obligations.

17 June 2024

Submission on the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Bill

The Bill is unnecessary, disregards known environmental risks, undermines local authority decision-making and excludes the general public from having a say.

The Bill is unnecessary, disregards known environmental risks, undermines local authority decision-making and excludes the general public from having a say.

Aotearoa New Zealand is at a crucial time with biodiversity and climate in crisis. Help us lead it in the right direction.