Spotlight on Land
Aotearoa New Zealand's distinctive natural and cultural landscapes are an integral part of our individual and collective wellbeing. However, they are under increasing pressure and are still being degraded.
Since its inception, EDS has placed a strong focus on protecting and restoring the country’s important landscapes. We have litigated to protect sensitive areas such as the Northland and Coromandel Peninsula coastlines, the Mackenzie Basin, the Marlborough Sounds, the Hauraki Gulf islands and Taupo. We have also promoted the public acquisition of important unspoilt places such as Waikawau Bay, Ngunguru Spit and New Chums Beach.
Our policy work has looked at ways to improve landscape management including through strengthening provisions in the Resource Management Act, beefing up the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement and developing a new protected landscapes model similar to the approach taken in many other jurisdictions, in order to provide an additional protective layer over private land.
EDS will continue to work with other parties to pursue opportunities to improve outcomes for Aotearoa’s important natural and cultural landscapes through litigation, public purchase and policy support.
