Ministry for the Environment

We are incredibly lucky to have a wealth of natural resources at our doorstep – good access to water, productive land and a rich biodiversity. Over a thousand years, our culture, society and our economy have been built on the back of our environment and, for many, it’s why they want to live, work and visit here. 

But we are nudging up against environmental limits. Pressure is mounting on our waterways, marine environments and land. A growing population, booming agribusiness sector and growing tourism industry mean if we keep taking out more than we put back in, we are heading for irreversible damage.

We need to care for and invest in our natural resources, understanding the consequences of our decisions, and making wise choices that will benefit future generations.

Our job as an organisation is second to none; making sure that our amazing corner of the world stays that way. In a 100 years’ time we want to be the most liveable place imaginable, backed by evidence of our natural capital and what it takes to achieve sustainable prosperity