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

9 December 2024

Not too late to fix controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill

Parliament is expected to pass the Fast-track Approvals Bill into law in the next few days.
Parliament is expected to pass the Fast-track Approvals Bill into law in the next few days.
4 December 2024

EDS News December 2024

Check out our final Newsletter of 2024!
Check out our final Newsletter of 2024!
2 December 2024

Marine spatial planning is a game-changer

The EDS report 'Restoring the Sea: The role of marine spatial planning' is a working paper co-authored by Raewyn Peart, Deidre-Koolen-Bourke and Salif Sidibe.
The EDS report 'Restoring the Sea: The role of marine spatial planning' is a working paper co-authored by Raewyn Peart, Deidre-Koolen-Bourke and Salif Sidibe.
15 November 2024

Proposals to modernise the conservation system a good start

EDS welcomes the proposals, with changes to the conservation system being well overdue.
EDS welcomes the proposals, with changes to the conservation system being well overdue.
11 November 2024

EDS News November 2024

Check out the latest updates in EDS News for November!
Check out the latest updates in EDS News for November!
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.

Featured content

Event

Webinar: Restoring the Sea: The Role of Marine Spatial Planning

Video recording
Event

Dollars & Sense: Making the economy work for nature

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

EDS in the news

30 November 2024

A river has its day in court

EDS asks the Environment Court to advise who has responsibility for the Rakaia Water Conservation Order.
EDS asks the Environment Court to advise who has responsibility for the Rakaia Water Conservation Order.
15 November 2024

Environmental Defence Society on charges to national parks

Proposals to modernise the conservation system are welcome, including increasing revenue opportunities for biodiversity.
Proposals to modernise the conservation system are welcome, including increasing revenue opportunities for biodiversity.
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.

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

12 December 2024

Submission on proposed measures for the Northland spiny rock lobster fishery (CRA 1)

EDS calls for stronger action to rebuild rock lobster stocks and restore kelp reef systems in Northland.

EDS calls for stronger action to rebuild rock lobster stocks and restore kelp reef systems in Northland.

9 December 2024

Joint Submission on Aotearoa New Zealand’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement requires the Government to set its second NDC at its highest ambition.

The Paris Agreement requires the Government to set its second NDC at its highest ambition.

29 November 2024

Submission on Marlborough Sounds blue cod review

Stronger measures are required to protect important blue cod habitat in the Marlborough Sounds and promote recovery of the population.

Stronger measures are required to protect important blue cod habitat in the Marlborough Sounds and promote recovery of the population.

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.

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