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

2 March 2026

EDS puts environmental lawmaking under the spotlight

Read EDS's first investigative piece into how environmental laws are being made in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Read EDS's first investigative piece into how environmental laws are being made in Aotearoa New Zealand.
22 February 2026

EDS proposes drafting changes to fix new resource management laws

EDS has filed its final submission on the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, proposing clause-by-clause drafting amendments.
EDS has filed its final submission on the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, proposing clause-by-clause drafting amendments.
9 February 2026

EDS draft submission on RM replacement bills calls for significant changes

EDS has released its draft submission on the two Resource Management Act replacement Bills ahead of the closing date (which is this Friday).
EDS has released its draft submission on the two Resource Management Act replacement Bills ahead of the closing date (which is this Friday).
8 February 2026

Taranaki VTM decision shows the Fast-track Act can, surprisingly, work

The fear has been that the Fast-track Approvals Act would approve every application regardless of its environmental impacts.
The fear has been that the Fast-track Approvals Act would approve every application regardless of its environmental impacts.
4 February 2026

EDS News February 2026

Read the latest from EDS in our February newsletter.
Read the latest from EDS in our February newsletter.
19 December 2025

Rock lobster decision one step closer in moving from reef collapse to reef recovery

Today’s decision is a vital further move in restoring severely degraded reef ecosystems.
Today’s decision is a vital further move in restoring severely degraded reef ecosystems.

Featured content

Conference

Beyond the election: A new mandate for the environment

24-25 June 2026
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Conference

Building Momentum. Driving Change.

7-8 September 2026
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

EDS in the news

2 March 2026

Major agriculture groups united on RMA replacement concerns

Rushed resource management law-making will lead to uncertain and worse outcomes.
Rushed resource management law-making will lead to uncertain and worse outcomes.
22 February 2026

National to campaign on review of ‘controversial’ Hauraki Gulf fishing rules

EDS is pleased to see National finally seeing sense and promising to remove commercial fishing from High Protected Areas in the Hauraki Gulf.
EDS is pleased to see National finally seeing sense and promising to remove commercial fishing from High Protected Areas in the Hauraki Gulf.
12 February 2026

Government wants to bypass fast-track process for proposed liquefied natural gas terminal

A proposed liquefied natural gas terminal will bypass even the fast-track process in order to be built in time for winter next year, documents show.
A proposed liquefied natural gas terminal will bypass even the fast-track process in order to be built in time for winter next year, documents show.
12 February 2026

Reforms threaten Waitākere Ranges – Gary Taylor and Greg Severinsen

The Waitākere Ranges are under grave threat from the Government’s proposed replacements of the Resource Management Act. The Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill significantly weaken long-standing environmental protections over the area.
The Waitākere Ranges are under grave threat from the Government’s proposed replacements of the Resource Management Act. The Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill significantly weaken long-standing environmental protections over the area.
11 December 2025

‘Entire system more permissive’: How to fix the RMA fixes

Regulatory relief is the most concerning aspect of new RMA replacement Bills - it's likely to chill public interest regulation.
Regulatory relief is the most concerning aspect of new RMA replacement Bills - it's likely to chill public interest regulation.
11 December 2025

Even with the RMA gone, the fast-track survives

Government Policy Statements are an opportunity for ministerial influence in fast-track decisions and should not proceed.
Government Policy Statements are an opportunity for ministerial influence in fast-track decisions and should not proceed.

Featured content

EDS Report

EDS Investigates: Freshwater ambushed

EDS exposes systemic issues with how environmental legislation is being shaped.
Donate

Donate to EDS's case on the Bendigo Gold Mine

EDS is seeking funding support to enable independent expert scrutiny of the proposed Bendigo-Ophir Gold Mine, currently progressing through fast-track.

Law and policy submissions

20 February 2026

Final submission on Resource Management Act replacement Bills: Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill

EDS's submission on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill identifies four major concerns and proposes extensive drafting changes.

EDS's submission on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill identifies four major concerns and proposes extensive drafting changes.

20 February 2026

Final submission on Resource Management Act replacement Bills: Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill: Drafting Appendix

Read EDS's proposed drafting to fix Resource Management replacement laws.

Read EDS's proposed drafting to fix Resource Management replacement laws.

20 February 2026

Submission on Simplifying Local Government

Local Government reform is needed. There is a clear case for amalgamation, shared services and unitisation.

Local Government reform is needed. There is a clear case for amalgamation, shared services and unitisation.

9 February 2026

Draft submission on the two Resource Management Act replacement Bills

EDS has released its draft submission on the two Resource Management Act replacement Bills.

EDS has released its draft submission on the two Resource Management Act replacement Bills.

12 December 2025

Submission on further measures to reduce fisheries by catch of hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin

Further measures required to better protect hoiho from fisheries bycatch.

Further measures required to better protect hoiho from fisheries bycatch.

26 November 2025

Submission on proposed amendment to New Zealand’s Second Emissions Reduction Plan (2026 to 2030)

The proposed amended ERP now misses the 2030 biogenic methane target, rendering the ERP inadequate.

The proposed amended ERP now misses the 2030 biogenic methane target, rendering the ERP inadequate.

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