Compliance

Without knowing the bottom lines can we be certain of not breaking our environmental law? More importantly, are we all playing our due roles in making our country sustainable?

Are you aware that regional and district councils are empowered to manage our natural and physical resources? Central government also has a powerful role in setting standards (National Environmental Standards or NESs), policies (National Policy Statements) and regulations (for further info on powers and functions of different agencies see our NZ ENVIRONMENT section).

Apart from the National Environmental Standards (NES) and Regulations recommended by the Ministry for the Environment, most environmental compliance rules under the RMA are developed by the regional councils by engaging their respective communities.

Regional rules and the central government’s NESs and regulations are enforced by the regional councils.