< Document library

Media releases

09 October 2026

Stop dithering: Government must back Tairāwhiti before the next cyclone

01 October 2026

An open letter to Leaders: three key asks for nature and climate

01 October 2026

EDS News October 2026

23 September 2026

Resource management bills pass third reading and will become very bad law

22 September 2026

Tarakihi decision puts industry ahead of national interest

14 September 2026

Political highlights from the Climate Change and Business Conference

14 September 2026

EDS receives prestigious RMLA award for work on resource management reform

11 September 2026

Mackenzie Country solar farm should have been declined, says EDS

03 September 2026

EDS News September 2026

Draft national direction confirms fears for the environment

Urban tree protections face the axe in new resource management system

Environment NGOs call for dumping of the Government’s RMA replacement bills

Last minute amendment papers take us even further towards environmental destruction

Environmental reporting must lead to action, says EDS

How regulatory relief could play out in Auckland – and it’s a bureaucratic and litigious hot mess

EDS News August 2026

EDS calls for closure of tarakihi fishery to allow stocks to recover

Select Committee reports back on RMA replacement bills – and it’s shocking

Climate adaptation without funding is planning without delivery

Conservation Bill still needs major changes despite Government retreat, says EDS

EDS News July 2026

Tarakihi on verge of extinction: stock collapse exposes major fisheries management failings

Environmental Defence Society welcomes Conservation Amendment Bill changes

Fisheries Bill delay a chance to reset fisheries reform

EDS News June 2026

Time to give Hauraki Gulf shellfish a break: EDS backs tighter harvesting controls

New South Island Marine Reserves finally here

EDS welcomes appointment of new Director-General of Conservation

EDS warns conservation bill puts development first

EDS News May 2026

EDS urges MPs to scrap the Fisheries Amendment Bill

High Country at risk as Government opens door to development and disposal

EDS says fast-track gold mine poses unacceptable environmental risks

EDS and Forest & Bird join forces to challenge stewardship land decisions

EDS News April 2026

Expert Panel invites EDS to comment on Bendigo goldmine

EDS News March 2026

EDS puts environmental lawmaking under the spotlight

22 February 2026

EDS proposes drafting changes to fix new resource management laws

09 February 2026

EDS draft submission on RM replacement bills calls for significant changes

08 February 2026

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

04 February 2026

EDS News February 2026

19 December 2025

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

17 December 2025

End of year good news: South Island Marine Reserves get the go ahead

17 December 2025

Let’s avoid submission writing at the beach

11 December 2025

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

10 December 2025

Government backs down on fast-track amendments

09 December 2025

RMA replacement bills introduced – fixes are needed

27 November 2025

EDS Special Update: Fast-track Under Scrutiny

25 November 2025

Concern over local government reform proposals

11 November 2025

EDS releases scathing submission on Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill

10 November 2025

EDS warns fast-track cost recovery regime sidelines environmental input

04 November 2025

Fast-track amendment Bill further undermines environment and democracy

04 November 2025

EDS News November 2025

10 October 2025

EDS’s advocacy lands marine protection as decision made to ban bottom contact fishing methods in most of eastern Waikato region

08 October 2025

EDS welcomes passage of Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill

01 October 2025

EDS News October 2025

22 September 2025

Bay of Islands treasures under threat – new EDS case study points towards practical solutions

19 September 2025

EDS urges urgent action as new report highlights extent of coastal ecosystem collapse

17 September 2025

EDS launches blueprint for durable oceans reform

02 September 2025

EDS launches major new report on risks and solutions in replacing the Resource Management Act

01 September 2025

EDS News September 2025

EDS delighted Hauraki Gulf Bill passes final substantive hurdle

Blue cod measure highlights need for Marlborough Sounds Fisheries Plan

New Resource Management Bill an unprecedented power grab by Ministers

EDS News August 2025

EDS submissions highlight serious concerns over Government’s resource management changes

Another offensive launched in the government’s war on nature

EDS says proposals for climate adaptation have significant gaps

High Court agrees with EDS: Law must be followed as it stands now

EDS Newsletter July 2025

Government undermines regional powers to protect coastal biodiversity

EDS has concerns over sweeping review of National Direction under the RMA

Environmental Defence Society strikes procedural fast-track win

Nature in the Balance: EDS wraps up landmark Dollars and Sense Conference

Oceans Symposium highlights need to establish independent Oceans Commission

EDS report highlights need to better manage cumulative impacts on the Otago coast

EDS report highlights urgent need to get on with MPA reform

EDS Newsletter May 2025

EDS releases concerning assessment of RMA reform proposals

Environment Court confirms indigenous biodiversity values in the Mackenzie Basin are deserving of bespoke protection

Fisheries reforms will not ensure sustainability

EDS welcomes closure of the inner Hauraki Gulf rock lobster fishery

EDS responds to RM Reform announcement

EDS addresses questions on resource management reforms

Infrastructure Summit should prioritise environmental outcomes.

EDS Newsletter March 2025

27 February 2025

Conservation reform needed but proposed changes need improvement

18 February 2025

Some good news for conservation

16 February 2025

Environmental groups clarify qualities of stewardship land in meeting with Prime Minister

11 February 2025

EDS guide to Fast-track Approvals Act goes live

02 February 2025

EDS Newsletter January 2025

31 January 2025

Offshore Renewable Energy Bill a step in the right direction, with some improvements needed

20 January 2025

2025: Slow down and get it right: opinion piece by Gary Taylor

13 January 2025

Regulatory Standards Bill should be stopped in its tracks

17 December 2024

Urgent action needed to restore degraded Marlborough Sounds

09 December 2024

Not too late to fix controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill

04 December 2024

EDS News December 2024

02 December 2024

Marine spatial planning is a game-changer

15 November 2024

Proposals to modernise the conservation system a good start

11 November 2024

EDS News November 2024

24 October 2024

Resource Management Reform: Cabinet Paper Released

18 October 2024

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

16 October 2024

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

13 October 2024

EDS delighted that Cabinet agrees to pass Hauraki Gulf marine protection

06 October 2024

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

01 October 2024

Select Committee adaptation report generally positive but lacks detail

01 October 2024

EDS News October 2024

30 September 2024

Select Committee recommendations on RM Amendment Bill disappoint

23 September 2024

Resource management reform announcement is a start but framing lacks coherence

17 September 2024

Environmental Defence Society seeking support to bolster RM Reform team

03 September 2024

EDS News September 2024

EDS’s ‘Restoring Nature’ report sets out pathway to modernise the conservation system

EDS responds to changes to Fast-track bill

Exclusive video interview with Climate Change Minister released

EDS News August 2024

EDS launches recommendations for Climate Adaptation Act

EDS News July 2024

EDS applauds Select Committee report confirming Hauraki Gulf marine protection

EDS 2024 conference communique

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS: EDS’s latest book available now

Fast-track Approvals Bill presents a serious risk to New Zealand exporters

The climate change and biodiversity crises: connections

EDS highlights reputational risks of Fast-track inclusion

EDS calls for Fast-track Approvals Bill to be abandoned in submission to Select Committee

Make a submission on the Fast-track Approvals Bill using EDS’s template

Minister tells Councils to break the law in latest attack on our environment

Media release: EDS releases draft submission on the alarming Fast Track Approvals Bill

Media Release: The government’s war on nature goes nuclear

EDS News February 2024 (2nd edition)

28 February 2024

Media Release: Another missile launched in Government’s war on nature

24 February 2024

EDS lays down challenge to Bluegreens Forum at Waitangi

07 February 2024

Big, big year ahead: EDS News February 2024

01 February 2024

Government ramps up assault on our natural world

22 December 2023

It’s not a Merry Christmas for the Environment

07 December 2023

EDS provides options for Climate Adaptation Act

03 December 2023

New Government crashes environment

14 November 2023

Media Release: Memo to incoming government: Don’t forget about the environment

17 October 2023

Webinar: Restoring the health of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana

12 October 2023

EDS releases its draft submission on the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill

04 October 2023

Call to support EDS advocacy on Waikato Regional Coastal Plan to better protect marine biodiversity

28 September 2023

Webinar: Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill

15 September 2023

Leading environmental groups deeply concerned at proposed defunding of DOC

15 September 2023

Media Release & video recording: Pre-election political forum & webinar

Natural and Built Environment Bill and Spatial Planning Bill pass third readings

EDS and partners urge Government to accelerate gross emissions reductions and strengthen the incentives for indigenous forests

EDS applauds announcement that Hauraki Gulf marine protection proceeding

Webinar: Aotearoa New Zealand’s wildlife law: An opportunity for transformational change

Wildlife laws need transformational change

EDS welcomes new protections for our natural world

The Conservation Management Planning System is broken and needs urgent overhaul

EDS finds significant gaps in current law for managed retreat

EDS endorses the recommendations of the forestry inquiry

EDS and Pure Advantage seek tightening of forest harvesting rules to prevent slash and sediment

Media Advisory: Pivot Point conference on this week

EDS releases report on environmental advocacy; calls for creation of an Environmental Defender’s Office

28 February 2023

Draft Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan needs more ambition

13 February 2023

EDS releases first working paper on managed retreat law

09 February 2023

Proposed fisheries sustainability measures are positive but need strengthening

03 February 2023

The Environmental Defence Society releases its draft submission on the Natural and Built Environment Bill and Spatial Planning Bill

30 January 2023

EDS files legal proceedings challenging the lawfulness of plantation forestry regulations

24 January 2023

EDS’s template submission on the RM reform bills

19 January 2023

Make your submission on the resource management reform bills: What to tell our lawmakers

16 January 2023

EDS calls for Minister Nash to rethink an Inquiry into plantation forestry

12 January 2023

EDS calls for Formal Inquiry into Forestry Practices following East Coast disaster

23 December 2022

EDS supports resource management reform bills but calls for key improvements

16 December 2022

EDS News December 2022

22 November 2022

EDS News: November 2022

17 November 2022

Fisheries NZ proposals on fisheries habitat not up to the job

15 November 2022

Good to see legislation replacing the RMA, but improvements needed to protect the environment

11 November 2022

EDS and Pure Advantage call for tighter controls on forestry

31 October 2022

Gulf marine protection needs to proceed urgently

22 September 2022

Coastal wetlands left high and dry under Ministry proposals

Job Opening: Solicitor

West Coast Stewardship Land Reclassification full of errors

EDS report finds economic considerations trump environmental needs in policy-making

EDS News: August 2022

EDS supports draft National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity, calling for improvements

Job Opening: Environmental Legal and Policy Researcher

EDS News: June 2022

Dunstan Downs Station in the Lindis Pass saved

EDS News: March 2022

16 February 2022

EDS highly critical of alarming decline in north-eastern scallop stocks

09 February 2022

EDS calls for stronger action to rebuild Northland rock lobster stocks

04 February 2022

Latest EDS News – February 2022

21 January 2022

Gary Taylor: Five big environmental reforms this year

14 December 2021

Best wishes for the holiday break from EDS

06 December 2021

New Chums Beach headland bought by New Zealand Coastal Trust

23 November 2021

New coalition demands a halt to further large-scale exotic carbon farming

18 November 2021

EDS submission on the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Bill calls for stronger recognition of the natural environment and urban design

08 November 2021

New Chums headland for sale, needs permanent protection says EDS

02 November 2021

Positive Select Committee report on Natural and Built Environments Bill, but more work needed

05 October 2021

Leading Environmental Groups joint submission on Farm Plans

16 September 2021

Carbon farming with pines bad for the environment

07 September 2021

EDS kicks off major Oceans Reform project

01 September 2021

EDS releases Resource Management Reform reports

Updates to Environment Guide website now complete

Minister launches new EDS report calling for conservation reform

Changes needed to strengthen the exposure draft of the Natural and Built Environments Bill

EDS submission on the Zero Carbon Bill calls for stronger legal sanctions

EDS welcomes exposure draft of bill but says more work needed to protect environment

EDS Conference 2021

EDS delighted to finally see Government action on Sea Change

History is being made today: final Climate Commission report says net zero is doable

EDS welcomes surprise advice from New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd

EDS calls for urgent action to avoid species extinction

EDS News March – April 2021

EDS welcomes new science advice on commercial fishing but more is needed

EDS News March 2021

23 February 2021

EDS calls for improved landscape protection in resource management reforms

19 February 2021

EDS seeks reset of forestry policy to support Banks Peninsula indigenous regeneration

02 February 2021

Environmental Defence Society secures removal of dangerous ouvea premix from Mataura

01 February 2021

Excellent Commission report shows net zero is doable and affordable

11 December 2020

EDS welcomes High Court decision relating to dairy conversions at Simons Pass Station in the Mackenzie Basin

30 November 2020

EDS calls for the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act to be beefed up

24 November 2020

EDS calls for independent body to oversee the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area

03 November 2020

EDS pleasantly surprised by some Cabinet decisions

16 October 2020

Party environment policies now on the record

12 October 2020

Election Special on Environment and Conservation Policies this Thursday

05 September 2020

EDS commends the protection of new land in the Te Manahuna / Mackenzie Country

EDS welcomes the Randerson Panel’s proposals to repeal the RMA

EDS Calls for Environmental Stewardship and Planning Act to replace the RMA

EDS files proceedings against New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd

Leading Climate Change and Business Conference confirmed for October in Auckland

EDS seeks a better future for the Mackenzie Country

Freshwater reforms delivered mostly as promised

Budget 2020: A Green New Deal

Three important points about the fast track Covid-19 RMA bill

Fast track Covid-19 bill appears to have safeguards for the environment

EDS supports reset of tourism industry to better protect the environment

EDS calls for creative thinking on infrastructure projects

EDS concerned about National’s pyrotechnics

EDS seeking funding for High Court case on Mackenzie Country dairy conversion

14 February 2020

EDS submission on the Urban Development Bill calls for stronger environmental safeguards

21 January 2020

EDS submission on ETS reforms questions integrity of agricultural sector’s commitments

18 December 2019

EDS report shoots down DairyNZ conclusions re freshwater reform costs

11 December 2019

EDS proposes transformational Resource Management Reform

26 November 2019

EDS welcomes Discussion Document on a proposed NPS on Indigenous Biodiversity

05 November 2019

EDS submission on Resource Management Reform Bill

31 October 2019

EDS strongly supports freshwater reforms

24 October 2019

EDS says farmers will need to perform as promised or lose all credibility

20 October 2019

EDS releases second working paper in Phase 2 of its Resource Management Reform project

17 October 2019

EDS calls for urgent action on marine management

13 October 2019

Climate Change and Business Conference 2019: Conference Communique

07 October 2019

EDS endorses Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s report

28 September 2019

EDS receives award for reform project

11 September 2019

EDS looks forward to RM System Review now underway

08 September 2019

EDS welcomes appointment of Dr Rod Carr as chair of the Climate Commission

04 September 2019

EDS launches new framework for marine spatial planning

Freshwater reforms looking good but industry self-management options need rejecting

EDS Welcomes New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy Discussion Document

EDS welcomes Government’s resource management system review

EDS submission on the Zero Carbon Bill calls for stronger legal sanctions

RMA Enforcement Report welcome but reveals some problems

EDS delighted at the appointment of the Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari Ministerial Advisory Committee

EDS welcomes Horizons Plan Change

EDS delighted at CNZM Honour for CEO Gary Taylor

EDS releases first working paper in Phase 2 of its Resource Management Reform project

EDS welcomes release of the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill

EDS and Forest & Bird call for greater environmental protection for the High Country

Changes to regulatory settings proposed for plantation forestry to better protect environment

EDS welcomes Environment Court ruling

EDS challenges the legal profession to stand up for independent legal research

EDS calls for reform of Hauraki Gulf governance

17 February 2019

EDS not convinced abandoning tenure review is a good thing

01 January 2019

EDS congratulates Raewyn Peart, MNZM

22 November 2018

Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari back on track

08 November 2018

EDS welcomes Resource Management Reform proposals announced by Minister Parker

02 November 2018

EDS releases Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari lessons learned report

31 October 2018

EDS releases new report on Biobanking in New Zealand

25 October 2018

EDS welcomes decision on Te Mata track

12 October 2018

Climate Change and Business Conference Communique Day 2

10 October 2018

Climate Change & Business Conference Communique

10 October 2018

Electric Trains saved after all

05 October 2018

EDS releases third working paper from Resource Management Law Reform Project

EDS to file High Court proceedings re Te Mata Peak

EDS welcomes National’s support for Climate Commission

EDS supports Visitor Levy

Latest Land and Water Forum Report released

EDS releases second working paper from Resource Management Reform Project

EDS congratulates Government and Conservation Minister on DOC funding increases

Government has a clear mandate to clean up freshwater

EDS disappointed at TOKM’s denial of problems in fisheries management

Our Land 2018 report is a call for action on environment

New book concludes inshore fisheries need a radical shakeup

Environment Foundation relaunches its web-based Environment Guide

Positive decision on the Hauraki Gulf/Bay of Plenty rock lobster fishery, but more still to be done

A Zero Carbon Act for New Zealand

21 February 2018

EDS Welcomes Mackenzie Country Report but calls for urgent action

14 February 2018

EDS happy with Minister’s approach on King Salmon

11 February 2018

EDS releases first working paper from Resource Management Reform Project

23 December 2017

EDS welcomes Craggy Range decision

19 December 2017

EDS calls for Commission of Inquiry into Fisheries Management

01 November 2017

Port Pegasus salmon canned

25 October 2017

EDS welcomes strong line up for the environment

20 October 2017

EDS welcomes new government and environmental reforms

19 October 2017

Government report confirms need for more action on climate change

11 October 2017

Climate Change & Business Conference Communique

06 October 2017

Election results should produce a Climate Commission

29 September 2017

Environmental ‘supergroup’ puts future government on notice

28 September 2017

Why New Zealand needs a Climate Commission

EDS welcomes new commitments to freshwater reform from National and Labour and criticises Federated Farmers for misleading comments

Conference Communique: Day one from EDS Conference Tipping Points

Conference Communique 2: Day 2 from EDS Conference Tipping Points

EDS strongly supports call for Climate Commission

EDS critical of tenure review process in Mackenzie Country

New study prepares for RMA shake-up

EDS welcomes acceptance of its Mackenzie Country initiative

Tipping Points Conference: The Future of Farming

Clarification sought around Ruataniwha Scheme consents

EDS congratulates Commissioner for the Environment on Birds report

Federated Farmers attacks Mackenzie Country again

EDS and Fish & Game offer to go to court on dam project

Environment Court calls for pause on tenure review in Mackenzie Country

Case for change to build New Zealand’s prosperity

Fish & Game and EDS welcome court decision on implementation of Horizons One Plan

EDS congratulates the Productivity Commission on urban planning report

EDS commends OECD Environmental Performance Review of New Zealand

Resource Legislation Amendment Bill gives free rein to subdivision

28 February 2017

EDS releases ground-breaking research into environmental compliance

24 February 2017

Key landscape decision released by the Court of Appeal

23 February 2017

EDS welcomes freshwater announcements, calls for more urgency

10 February 2017

Last Line of Defence: Wellington Launch of EDS’s latest publication

02 February 2017

Dodgy process for King Salmon expansion

26 January 2017

EDS calls for improvements in draft energy efficiency strategy

22 December 2016

Settlement reached over Mackenzie Country court case

13 December 2016

Appeal for Funding: Mackenzie Country and the Coromandel

30 November 2016

Our Marine Environment: What Next? Evening Seminar

21 November 2016

Threats to Mackenzie Country need addressing

13 November 2016

EDS supports a better future for our fishing

31 October 2016

Latest EDS News: November 2016

27 October 2016

Marine environment report highlights inadequacy of New Zealand’s current oceans management

14 October 2016

Climate Change & Business Conference Communique

30 September 2016

Business leaders to address Climate Change & Business Conference

29 September 2016

EDS Submission on Productivity Commission report focused on urban planning issues

28 September 2016

How effective is NZ’s resource management system?

15 September 2016

Environmental Groups support Government on the Kermadec/Rangitāhua Ocean Sanctuary

14 September 2016

EDS and Fish & Game to file proceedings against Horizons

11 September 2016

Compelling new book celebrates the Hauraki Gulf

06 September 2016

New Zealand has just ratified the Paris agreement so change is coming!

Leading Environmental NGOs: Labour Party needs to support not undermine the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary

EDS welcomes the Productivity Commission’s thoughtful analysis of the thorny issue of urban planning

Latest EDS News: August 2016

EDS supports Green Party’s Taonga Levy