Environment interest groups under threat
The Government’s cost cutting exercise will affect environmental interest groups, with the Environmental Defence Society saying it is ‘’very disappointed’’ that Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has instructed the ministry to stop all funding, including support for conferences.
Simmonds said the Government has provided cost-saving directives to agencies across the public sector. As a result, the Ministry for the Environment is undergoing a thorough review of all its expenditure.
The Environmental Defence Society has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1971.
On its website, it says it is ‘’one of the most influential non-profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes’’.
Data from the ministry provided under the Official Information Act shows that in the last three-year term of the LabourGreens government, the Environmental Defence Society received a total of $295,000 for participation in resource management reforms, $130,000 for sponsorship and contribution including conferences, and $123,945 for an Oceans management reform project.
In the same time frame, Forest & Bird received $20,000 for participation in the Freshwater Planning process.
A society spokesperson said the ministry has supported the society’s resource management and oceans policy reform work for many years.
“EDS [The society] strictly maintains editorial control over all of its work. The ministry’s past support is in recognition of the important role that independent research, analysis and discourse plays in reform processes,’’ the spokesperson said.
“In the past, our work has contributed to many reforms including the Exclusive Economic Zone Act, the creation of the Environmental Protection Authority, freshwater regulations, the protection of indigenous biodiversity, improved fisheries management, and much more.
“Our conferences are possible because of sponsorship which comes from a wide range of sources and again, we maintain strict control over content of them. We are very disappointed that the minister has instructed the ministry to stop all funding including support for conferences.”
Forest & Bird general counsel Peter Anderson said it received $20,000 funding from the ministry to cover costs associated with its involvement in the High Court declaration proceedings relating to the Otago Regional Policy Statement.
These proceedings were of public interest, and did not relate to legislative reform.
“It is appropriate for Forest & Bird to receive such funding,” he said. “Forest & Bird regularly applies for and receives funding from the Environmental Legal Assistance Fund, which is also administered by [the ministry].’’
Anderson said neither Environmental Legal Assistance funding nor the funding received for the Otago RPS proceedings impact on Forest & Bird's independence.
“The outcomes sought are not related to the funding received but advance Forest & Bird’s aim of protecting New Zealand's indigenous biodiversity.
“If outcomes were related to the funding or otherwise affected our independence, Forest & Bird would not apply for or accept the funding.”