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

11 December 2025

Stewardship land reclassification leaves high-value ecological areas without top-tier protection

Lack of National Park recommendations are disappointing in Minister's stewardship land decisions.
Lack of National Park recommendations are disappointing in Minister's stewardship land decisions.
10 December 2025

Government backs down on fast-track amendments

The Government is no longer pursuing several terrible proposed amendments to the Fast-track Approvals Act.
The Government is no longer pursuing several terrible proposed amendments to the Fast-track Approvals Act.
9 December 2025

RMA replacement bills introduced – fixes are needed

In a massive shakeup of our core environmental and planning laws, the Government has today introduced legislation to Parliament to replace the RMA.
In a massive shakeup of our core environmental and planning laws, the Government has today introduced legislation to Parliament to replace the RMA.
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.

Featured content

Webinar

RMA Replacement Laws - Planning Act and Natural Environment Act

Tuesday 16 December 2025
Online
Conference

Beyond the election: A new mandate for the environment

24-25 June 2026
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

EDS in the news

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.
11 December 2025

RMA overhaul puts private property rights first

The environment limits framework of the new RMA replacement Bills is full of holes.
The environment limits framework of the new RMA replacement Bills is full of holes.
11 December 2025

Government bins RMA, promises new planning laws will slash consents, add $3b a year to economy

New RMA replacement Bills likely to result in regulatory retreat from some very important environmental safeguards.
New RMA replacement Bills likely to result in regulatory retreat from some very important environmental safeguards.
11 December 2025

RMA changes: transformational or concerning?

Listen to our Reform Director talk about the new RMA replacement Bills
Listen to our Reform Director talk about the new RMA replacement Bills
11 December 2025

Coalition reveals Resource Management Act replacement, but will it stand the test of time?

The idea that Council's will have to pay landowners for genuine public interest regulation is bizarre.
The idea that Council's will have to pay landowners for genuine public interest regulation is bizarre.

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.