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

27 November 2025

EDS Special Update: Fast-track Under Scrutiny

Fast-track is ramping up, but so is our oversight of the new system. This is a special update on our recent fast-track work.
Fast-track is ramping up, but so is our oversight of the new system. This is a special update on our recent fast-track work.
25 November 2025

Concern over local government reform proposals

EDS is urging caution following today’s announcement by Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Resource Management Reform Minister Chris Bishop that local government is in for the biggest shakeup since 1989.
EDS is urging caution following today’s announcement by Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Resource Management Reform Minister Chris Bishop that local government is in for the biggest shakeup since 1989.
11 November 2025

EDS releases scathing submission on Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill

EDS warns that the Bill will further weaken environmental safeguards, erode public participation, and undermine constitutional checks and balances.
EDS warns that the Bill will further weaken environmental safeguards, erode public participation, and undermine constitutional checks and balances.
10 November 2025

EDS warns fast-track cost recovery regime sidelines environmental input

Uncertainty around the role of councils in providing comments on fast-track applications is likely to mean weaker evidence and poorer decisions, increasing the chances of resultant legal challenges.
Uncertainty around the role of councils in providing comments on fast-track applications is likely to mean weaker evidence and poorer decisions, increasing the chances of resultant legal challenges.
4 November 2025

Fast-track amendment Bill further undermines environment and democracy

The Government has introduced the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill, doubling down on its war on nature.
The Government has introduced the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill, doubling down on its war on nature.
4 November 2025

EDS News November 2025

🔸 Big win for the Gulf 🔸 EDS to review energy policy to bolster renewables transition 🔸 Councils should release pre-lodgement information 🔸 RM3 coming soon 🔸 EDS to embark on fisheries management review 🔸 Hauraki Gulf kelp restoration
🔸 Big win for the Gulf 🔸 EDS to review energy policy to bolster renewables transition 🔸 Councils should release pre-lodgement information 🔸 RM3 coming soon 🔸 EDS to embark on fisheries management review 🔸 Hauraki Gulf kelp restoration

Featured content

Webinar

RMA Replacement Laws - Planning Act and Natural Environment Act

7-8 September 2026
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Conference

Beyond the election: A new mandate for the environment

24-25 June 2026
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

EDS in the news

26 November 2025

Fast-track amendment could trigger surge in judicial reviews

The Fast-track Amendment Bill is more likely to result in ill-informed, politically influenced and rushed decision making with less legally defensible outcomes.
The Fast-track Amendment Bill is more likely to result in ill-informed, politically influenced and rushed decision making with less legally defensible outcomes.
17 November 2025

Dipping into Lake Pūkaki: Locals and experts conflicted over Meridian Energy proposal

If the electricity market was working properly, we wouldn’t have to worry about drawing down on our hydro lakes. It needs a complete refresh.
If the electricity market was working properly, we wouldn’t have to worry about drawing down on our hydro lakes. It needs a complete refresh.
17 November 2025

Fast-track changes may speed up ministers’ pet projects, critic warns

Changes to fast-track law double down on Ministers’ desires to exclude the public from having a say on significant mining projects.
Changes to fast-track law double down on Ministers’ desires to exclude the public from having a say on significant mining projects.
13 November 2025

Fishing industry to appeal Coromandel trawl ban

The evidence supports a trawl ban in the eastern Waikato region. EDS will join appeals that seek to overturn it.
The evidence supports a trawl ban in the eastern Waikato region. EDS will join appeals that seek to overturn it.
13 November 2025

Confusion at Macraes consent process

Fast track processes are moving towards community disengagement rather than engagement, risking poor environmental outcomes.
Fast track processes are moving towards community disengagement rather than engagement, risking poor environmental outcomes.
10 November 2025

Fast-track changes increase ministerial powers

Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill doubles down on Government's war on nature.
Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill doubles down on Government's war on nature.

Featured content

EDS Report

Replacing the Resource Management Act: Risks and solutions

The government’s Phase 3 resource management reforms (replacing the RMA with a Planning Act and a Natural Environment Act) pose some significant risks to the environment, but also some potential opportunities if done well.
EDS Report

Pathway to Oceans Reform: EDS Oceans Reform Final Report

Our oceans management system is not fit for purpose and this report sets out practical steps to achieve oceans reform.

Law and policy submissions

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.

11 November 2025

Submission on the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill

From every angle - environmental, democratic, and constitutional - this Bill makes a shocking law even worse.

From every angle - environmental, democratic, and constitutional - this Bill makes a shocking law even worse.

4 November 2025

Submission on Kaikōura / Te Tai o Marokura Marine Management Review

EDS proposes changes to the current management approach for the Kaikōura marine environment.

EDS proposes changes to the current management approach for the Kaikōura marine environment.

18 September 2025

Review of rock lobster fishery management measures for urchin barrens in northeastern New Zealand

EDS’s submission on proposed management measures for the Northland (CRA 1) and Hauraki/Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) rock lobster fisheries which include closure options and changes to recreational daily limits.

EDS’s submission on proposed management measures for the Northland (CRA 1) and Hauraki/Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) rock lobster fisheries which include closure options and changes to recreational daily limits.

17 September 2025

Draft fisheries plans and proposed management targets for the Hauraki Gulf/Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) and Wellington/Wairarapa (CRA 4) rock lobster fisheries

EDS's submission on proposed draft fisheries plans for the Hauraki Gulf/Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) and Wellington/Wairarapa (CRA 4) rock lobster fisheries to manage these stocks at higher levels of abundance.

EDS's submission on proposed draft fisheries plans for the Hauraki Gulf/Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) and Wellington/Wairarapa (CRA 4) rock lobster fisheries to manage these stocks at higher levels of abundance.

5 September 2025

Review of exotic Caulerpa Controlled Area Notices (CANs)

More is required to limit the spread, minimise damage and protect areas from the exotic Caulerpa incursion.

More is required to limit the spread, minimise damage and protect areas from the exotic Caulerpa incursion.

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