PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Decision-Making: The Central Committee on Agriculture is funded by the central government. The agencies
involved are MORST, MAF, MOF, DOC, FRST, Regional Councils, and other key stakeholders including
commercial land users, NGOs, and the science community. Several joint initiatives between MAF and other key
departments address the action required for managing land resources. The initiatives include the New Zealand
Sustainable Land Management Strategy, and the development of a National Science Strategy (NSS) for Sustainable
Land Management (SLM). Within MAF's Sustainable Agriculture Facilitation Programme, current work, and the
strategy through to the year 2000, are focused on the following key themes: achieving consistent implementation of
local government policies and plans developed under the Resource ManagementAct and the Biosecurity Act,
including attention to participation processes; facilitating the brokerage of information and decision support tools
and technologies for sustainable agriculture; encouraging the inclusion of sustainable agriculture principles in
mainstream education; providing well targeted and appropriate operational research - particularly on understanding
the factors contributing to sustainable agriculture systems; development of management planning and decision
support systems; and collaborative, participatory community research to support the uptake of sustainable
technology and management practices.
Programmes and Projects: No information available.
Status: The Government's Environment 2010 Strategy identifies several areas posing environmental and long-term
productive capacity risks for land use. These include: land degradation as a result of soil erosion, soil compaction
and other factors; rundown in soil health; and effects of water quality and availability. Actions required for
managing land resources include: encouraging land management practices that reduce soil loss, and maintain or
enhance the quality of waterways, groundwater, and coastal waters and protect them from suspended sediments,
nutrients, harmful microorganisms and other contaminants; avoiding, mitigating, and remedying the impacts of
land-related hazards, including flooding, subsidence, and erosion; and developing land management skills and land
use systems that will enable people and communities to provide for their social and economic well-being.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training and Awareness-Raising: No information available.
Information: No information available.
Research and Technologies: The National Science Strategy for Sustainable Land Management (NSS), established
by the Government in 1996, is an integral part of the overall Sustainable Land Management Strategy announced by
the Government and coordinated by the Ministry for the Environment. The NSS is developed and implemented by a
central and three regional committees. A task of the committees will be to improve the still-poor understanding on
the part of many New Zealanders of their land resources and how human activities affect them, and the long-term
monitoring and assessment of environmental trends, through coordinated science. The committees will also have
the key roles of monitoring, coordinating, and advocating science which enhances sustainable land management.
They will seek to strengthen the links among science, policy, and land management, enhancing the transfer of the
findings of land management research to land users and policy makers.

COMBATING DEFORESTATION

Decision-Making: The Government has signaled its desire to promote investment in forest growth through its
taxation regime. New Zealand's tax system is such that the costs incurred by a forestry business in planting, tending
and maintaining a crop of trees are fully deductible from income of any source in the same year costs are incurred.
This system replaced the previous system whereby forest growing costs were deferred until an income was
generated from the harvest of that forest. Thus, forest product businesses are now treated in the same way as other
businesses in terms of taxation. Voluntary measures that enhance the protection and sustainable management of
New Zealand's forest resources include the New Zealand Forest Code of Practice and the New Zealand Forest
Accord. The Forest Heritage Trust Fund and Nga Whenua Rahui were established by Government to help achieve
the objectives of the Government's Indigenous Forest Policy.
The Imported Tropical Timber Group (ITTG) was formed in response to concern by the New Zealand public,
timber trade and conservation NGOs over the link between the import of tropical timbers and unsustainable logging
of tropical forests. Since 1991, the ITTG, representing New Zealand conservation organisations, timber importers,
and building supply retailers, with the Ministry of Forestry as observer, has been assisting the transition of the New
Zealand trade to certified sustainable sources of imported tropical timbers.
Programmes and Projects: No information available.
Status: New Zealand's forests cover about 28% (or 7.5 million hectares) of the country's land area. Of this, 6.2
million hectares is natural forest, and 1.3 million hectares, planted forest. The area of planted forest is currently
increasing at about 80,000 hectares per annum, and this rate may be maintained for the next 20 to 30 years. If this
happens, New Zealand's planted forests would account for more than 4 million hectares by 2020.
The State owns 4.9 million hectares of the country's natural forest. Most of this is managed for conservation values.
Only 164,000 hectares of it is managed for wood production. Under the Forest Amendment Act 1993, areas of
natural forest that are used for production must be managed in way that maintains the ability of the forest to
continue to provide a full range of products and amenities in perpetuity while retaining the forest's natural values.
The ownership of New Zealand's planted forests has undergone considerable change since 1990, with the sale of
timber and management rights to much of the State's forest resource. Before 1990, the State owned about half the
planted forest. From 1 April 1993, the State owned, or had a commitment to manage, about 20% of the resource. Of
the balance, three-quarters is owned by seven major corporations, with considerable offshore investment, while
about one-quarter is owned by small companies, local government bodies, partnerships, joint ventures, and farmers.
Maori are significant players in the New Zealand forestry sector. There are approximately 7,000 hectares of Maoricontrolled
forest, and a further 140,000 hectares of forestry on Maori-owned land. In some regions of New Zealand,
this involvement is more significant, for example in Northland, where Maori forestry holdings make up more than
25% of the planted estate. Increasingly, Maori see forestry as a significant vehicle for sustainable capital
development to benefit both current and future generations and, in some of the Maori areas, new tribal-based forest
companies are emerging.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training and Awareness-Raising: Universities and tertiary educational
institutions are responding to student interest in forestry by developing an array of forestry-related courses.
Information: Domestically, forests are included in New Zealand's National Environmental Indicators Programme
being coordinated by the Ministry for the Environment.
Research and Technologies: On 1 July 1992, a Crown Research Institute called the New Zealand Forest Research
Institute was established to carry out research for the development of New Zealand's forestry products. Research on
sustainable management of land resources is provided by other Crown Research Institutes, including Landcare Research Limited. Forestry is one of the priority areas for science funding, with special emphasis given to forest
processing research.
Financing: No information available.
Cooperation: New Zealand is actively involved in the Montreal Process to develop indicators of sustainable forest
management.

PROTECTING AND PROMOTING HUMAN HEALTH

Decision-Making: The Public Health Commission (PHC) is responsible for improving and protecting public
health. The PHC was recently merged with the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health, the four regional health
authorities who are purchasers of health and disability support services, and public health service providers, all
maintain and encourage consultation with key groups and sectors. Territorial authorities are required to consider
their statutory responsibilities under the Health Act 1956 to improve, promote and protect public health in their
districts. Functions with public health implications include the provision of sanitary works such as waterworks and
the collection and safe disposal of sewage; and other areas such as liquor licensing; food hygiene; building
legislation compliance; dangerous goods; civil defense; and bylaws for public health. Regional council functions
that also influence public health include the management of the adverse effects of discharges of contaminants into
the environment, and regional transport policies encompassing access, safety, energy, and environmental issues.
Some regional public health service providers (i.e. functions relating to public health medicine and regulation,
health protection, health promotion and health education, public health nurses etc.) participate in Local Agenda 21
programmes operated by local government. Collaborative working relationships are encouraged to improve,
promote and protect public health at the national and local levels, for example between central government
agencies, public health service providers, local government and different sectors, such as environment, education
and transport.
Programmes and Projects: The incidence of HIV/AIDS in New Zealand is comparatively low, 9.8 per 100,000.
Strategies to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS include the promotion of safe sex, education programmes targeted at
high risk groups, and a needle and syringe exchange programme for intravenous drug users. These programmes are
wholly or partly funded by the Government through the Ministry of Health, and implemented by Government
agencies and non-government organizations such as the NZ AIDS Foundation and the New Zealand Family
Planning Association. Two nationally-coordinated programmes for Maori include a sudden infant death syndrome
prevention programme and a smoke free programme. Significant changes in road safety policy have been recently
implemented to reduce the road death toll. A large education programme is currently underway on drink-driving
and speeding, and work is being done on penalties for offences. Other changes under consideration include revised
speed limits and more stringent vehicle safety standards.
Status: The PHC published a report on the health status of the New Zealand population in December 1993. The
Report noted that despite the "high standard of health" that the country enjoys, "infant mortality has improved only
slowly over the last few decades, although more recently, New Zealand saw a dramatic drop in sudden infant death
syndrome of 33 percent among Maori and 53 percent among non-Maori between 1989 and 1992." The report
demonstrated that New Zealand has high rates of injury and death from road traffic crashes, poisonings and
accidents in the home. The incidence of heart disease, melanoma, and cancers of the large bowel and lung is also
high. Recent statistics show that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of asthma-related deaths in the world. It
also has one of the highest levels of youth suicide in the world, particularly among young males (in the 15-24 year
age group). The Ministry of Youth Affairs, with support from the Ministry of Health and TPK, is currently
developing a National Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy The health status of Maori and other Polynesians, for a
variety of reasons, is poorer than that of non-Maori and Polynesians.
Community services and high user health cards continue to be the main means in the health sector for ensuring
access to health services. For example, for holders of these cards there are no charges for secondary and tertiary
medical services. There are also limits in charging for items and consumables, although a range of subsidies are
provided for assistance. There are no charges for hospital inpatient services and many day patient and outpatient
services.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training and Awareness-Raising: See under “Programmes and Projects”.
Information: See under “Status ”.

CHANGING CONSUMPTION PATTERNS - ENERGY

Decision-Making: The principal government bodies charged with energy policy are the Ministry of Economic
Development (formerly the Ministry of Commerce) and the Ministry for the Environment, which has policy
oversight of energy efficiency and renewable energy policy. The Treasury advises on taxation policy which affects
energy use. Transportation policy advice is provided by the Ministry of Transport, which is undertaking work on
measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. A formal interdepartmental committee, the
Officials Committee on Energy Policy, comprising the Ministries of Economic Development, Environment, the
Treasury and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, co-ordinates advice on all major energy policy
matters. The esource Management Act 1991provides the legislative framework to control the environmental effects
of all activities, including energy. The Act is primarily implemented by local government. Where central
government retains ownership of commercial activities (in the energy field this is confined to electricity
transmission and some generation and retailing) this is undertaken by state-owned independent companies. Local
government owned commercial activity is generally also undertaken by arms-length companies.
The Energy Specific Statutes and Regulations include: Electricity Act 1992, Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Act 2000, Gas Act 1992, Energy Companies Act 1992, Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998, International Energy
Agreement Act 1976, Lake Taupo Compensation Claims Act 1947, Manapouri-Te Anau Development Act 1963,
Ministry of Energy Abolition Act 1989, Petroleum Demand Restraint Act 1981, Petroleum Demand Restraint
(Regulations Validation and Revocations) Act 1981, Petroleum Sector Reform Act 1988, Electricity (Information
Disclosure) Regulations 1999, Gas Information Disclosure Regulations 1997, Electricity Regulations 1997, Gas
Regulation 1993, Crown Minerals Act 1991, Crown Minerals (Minerals and Coal) Regulations 1999, Crown
Minerals (Petroleum) Regulations 1999, General Statute and Regulation, Resource Management Act 1991, Energy
Resources Levy Act 1976.
The Government has recently made public its Energy Policy Framework which sets out the Government’s overall
energy policy objectives as outlined in the following areas: Energy Efficiency and Renewable, Climate Change,
Electricity Reforms, Gas Sector and Transport Sector Reforms. Economic and regulatory measures that are
currently under examination include: A carbon charge, Negotiated Greenhouse Gas Agreements with industry on
emissions reduction, and Forward trading in emission units.
The development of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy and the Government’s response to
climate change and the Kyoto Protocol are all being subjected to rigorous public consultation processes.
Contributions from the nine major groups are being encouraged. For example, between August 2000 and
November 2000, the Ministry for the Environment (MfE), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), and Te
Puni Kokiri (TPK) held 10 regional hui with Maori groups to increase the level of understanding on climate change
issues. In addition the private sector is represented through the electricity, gas, oil and coal industries.
Programmes and Projects: From an energy efficiency perspective EECA’s current activities deliver greenhouse
gas emissions reductions associated with the following programmes: Energy-Wise Business, Energy-Wise Homes,
Energy-Wise Information, Energy-Wise Government, Administration of the Crown Energy Efficiency Loan
Scheme, Administration of the Energy Saver Fund Grant Scheme.
Status: Energy services are accessible to all urban and virtually all rural households. Electricity reticulation to
virtually all ports of country was completed some 50 years ago. As lines to remote areas come up for renewal, they
may be replaced by remote area power systems (RAPS). Large parts of the North Island, including all major urban
areas, have reticulated natural gas available. Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) is available throughout both the North
and South Islands. Petroleum products are available throughout the country. Electricity generation relies heavily
on renewable (hydro, geothermal and a small amount of wind) and is therefore largely already sustainable. There
are no structural impediments to commercial power generation. Private sector companies operate New Zealand’s
two wind farms. New Zealand's electricity generation is dominated by renewable resources with hydropower
producing around 70-75% of annual electricity needs, depending on rainfall. Geothermal power contributes another 7%. This balance is made up by fossil fuel generation. From 1991 to 1996 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by
16.9% while energy use, (measured by total consumer energy (TCE)) increased by only 11.5% - despite a 9%
increase in population. Thus, for a 1% increase in GDP, TCE used increased by only 0.68%.
New Zealand has, for more than a decade, been moving to a completely open market, including major liberalisation
of trade. Additionally a major programme of corporatisation and privatisation was undertaken from the mid-1980s.
Trade in petroleum products is completely open with both crude oil and refined oil being imported, and locally
produced condensate being exported. Because of its geographically isolated position, New Zealand’s electricity
and gas markets do not include imports or exports (although a small amount of LPG is exported). New Zealand is a
net exporter of coal. It is not considered that future trade liberalisation will affect energy allocation and
consumption patterns in New Zealand. New Zealand has no active measures to promote the international transfer
of energy related technology.
In New Zealand the barriers to the uptake of renewable energy are progressively being addressed. The national
energy efficiency and conservation strategy is currently under development. Current government policies and those
measures arising out of the Strategy are expected to significantly address various barriers, including: fixed price
charging; unclear market signa ls regarding the cost of CO2 emissions; lack of investment in renewable R&D; lack
of proven market value associated with environmentally friendly renewable energy; and lack of information about
renewable energy and government policy options.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training and Awareness-Raising: Promotional activities have tended to be quite
closely targeted initiatives, usually designed to encourage particular behavioural changes, rather than mass media
generic calls for improved energy efficiency. Much of the promotional effort is channelled through industry
associations, targeted presentations and publications designed to foster particular investments in new technology
and specific energy efficient behaviours. Energy efficiency promotional efforts are being co-ordinated with
climate change communication strategies. Central Government has undertaken no major training programmes.
Private sector and state-owned energy market participants make their own individual judgements in deciding what
capacity-building measures best suit their businesses. Energy efficiency labelling schemes should provide a
tangible basis for promotions encouraging consumers to select energy efficient products and to use them efficiently.
A wide range of publications, websites, and seminars on energy efficiency and climate change issues are made
available to a wide cross-section of New Zealander.
EECA has made available an energy focused resource kit for secondary schools entitled “Precious Joules”. A
private sector company markets an energy curriculum resource kit for primary schools. This is distributed to
schools with the assistance of line energy companies and Trusts. It includes a facilitated implementation package
for the curriculum and energy savings components. An "Energy-Wise Companies Campaign" was launched in
August 1994 and now has membership of over 600 of the largest companies in New Zealand. It promotes
commitment to energy efficiency at the top management level of companies, and to establish effective partnership
between the Government and the private sector to direct management attention to implementation of cost effective
energy efficient practices and technologies. The main features of the campaign are: a public commitment to energy
management by company chief executives through endorsement of a common charter of key principles; support
from and participation of energy suppliers; endorsement of the campaign by the Ministers of Energy, Commerce
and Environment; support from major business, consumer and environmental organisations; practical information,
advisory and secretariat support from EECA and annual awards to companies making the most significant
improvements in energy efficiency.
Information: The Energy Modelling and Statistics Unit of the Ministry of Economic Development compiles
statistical information on, and prepares projections of, energy supply and demand and greenhouse gas emissions
from the energy sector. This work is required to fulfill New Zealand’s international reporting obligations (to the
IEA, APEC, UNFCCC etc) and to aid domestic policy development. Statistics New Zealand also collects and
publishes a variety of statistics related to the Energy sector e.g. consumers price indices, producers price indices,
fuel deliveries by fuel type, coal sales, and trade statistics by fuel type, and production statistics. Energy resource
availability is described in the documents ‘Energy Outlook to 2020, Ministry of Commerce, February 2000’, and ‘New Zealand Energy Data File, Ministry of Economic Development, July 2000’. Data and analysis of New
Zealand’s energy consumption patterns is available in the document ‘Energy Outlook to 2020, Ministry of
Commerce, February 2000’.
Research and Technologies: There are a large number of bodies, from consultants to industry associations that
are actively promoting and applying the full spectrum of energy efficient technologies. Priority has been ascribed to
technologies proven overseas and having particular cost effective application in mass markets, such as energy
efficient motors and lighting systems. A limited number of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies
are being developed in New Zealand that would contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions and
cleaner production. Some of the more innovative technologies developed recently include: WispergenGen Stirling
Cycle engine, which provides heat and power for homes and runs quietly on most liquid or gas fuels; Windflow
500, a wind turbine; Smart-Drain heat exchanger; Sawdust fired boiler; The Vortec wind turbine; Electronic load
governor for micro-hydro power generation; and A wool based insulation. The Ministry of Economic Development
is leading a review of the Petroleum Products Specifications Regulations 1998. The review will consider
consumer, industry, health, safety, environmental, and quality issues in developing recommendations for petroleum
standards that are appropriate for New Zealand. A public discussion document will be prepared and released for
public comment in March 2001.
Financing: Financing of New Zealand’s energy sector is based on a market model where companies, be they
private sector or state-owned, make individual decisions regarding new investment in their businesses. There is
significant overseas investment in New Zealand energy companies in the electricity, gas and petroleum markets.
EECA is financed by central government. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) was, in
1994, allocated an additional NZ$8.45 million over three years for specific measures targeted at improving energy
efficiency across all sectors of the economy. Future funding for energy efficiency measures were to be reviewed
towards the latter half of 1997, within the context of evolving climate change policies. EECA also manages the
Energy Saver Fund, established in 1994-95, which provides NZ$18 million over five years to promote increased
uptake of energy efficiency in the residential sector.
Cooperation: The New Zealand Government has stated its intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol in 2002. New
Zealand also continues to participate in international negotiations over the development of rules for international
emissions trading and the assignment of credit for carbon 'sinks' - primarily plantation forests, which absorb carbon
dioxide. New Zealand is committed to participate in any international emission trading system that has
environmental integrity. New Zealand has fully implemented its obligations under the Montreal Protocol and has
ratified or is in the process of ratifying all subsequent amendments.

CHANGING CONSUMPTION PATTERNS

Decision-Making: There is no single agency that focuses specifically on sustainable consumption and production,
but a variety of agencies deal with related issues. The Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Trade are the coordinating agencies for the purposes of CSD liaison and communication. Other central
agencies involved with sustainable consumption and production issues are the following: Department of
Conservation (DOC), Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), Land Information New Zealand
(LINZ), Ministry of: Fisheries (MFish); Agriculture and Forestry (MAF); Commerce (MCM); Research Science
and Technology, (MoRST); and Transport (MoT). The local government is New Zealand is responsible for
implementing the Resource Management Act. This legislation aims to promote sustainable management of natural
and physical resources. Both regional councils and territorial authorities are directly elected and set their own rates.
Functions of territorial authorities include land use consents under the Resource Management Act, noise control,
litter control, roading, water supply, sewage reticulation and disposal, rubbish collection and disposal, parks and
reserves, libraries, land subdivision, pensioner housing, health inspection, building consents, parking controls and
civil defence. Functions of regional councils are generally more limited and include management of air quality,
bulk water supply, regional roads and parks and public passenger transport planning.
There are several strategies and policies, and legislation, that promote sustainable consumption and production
patterns including: Environment 2010 Strategy, Resource Management Act 1991, Waste Management Policy,
Energy Efficiency Strategy, Fisheries Act 1996, Sustainable Land Management Strategy, and Hazardous
Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. Legislation and regulations for a number of minimum energy
performance standards have been formulated but await an opportunity in the legislative programme. In addition,
the following codes or practice, standards and guidelines apply: The ISO 14001 series environmental standard, the
European Union's Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), and the British Standard Specification for EMS
(BS 7750), Cleaner production guidelines and Packaging industry code of practice. Consumer protection is
provided through a series of legislation such as the Fair Trading Act, Commerce Act, Consumer Guarantees Act,
and the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act. Among the specific policy and economic instruments in this area are
the following: Polluter pays, Road user charges, and Climate change economic instruments.
New Zealand offers a variety of opportunities for the participation of major groups in the formulation of policy and
the development and operation of legislation. These include the use of public discussion documents, public
meetings, hui, and other forms of consultation during the formulation of policies, strategies, and plans; and written
and oral submissions to parliamentary committees and members of parliament during the formulation of legislation.
Programmes and Projects: An example of a related project is The Government Energy Efficiency Leadership
Programme (GEELP), which was launched in September 1993. The programme seeks to reduce energy costs within
the public sector and provide a role model for the industrial and commercial sectors to follow. Progress is
monitored through the use of Key Performance Indicators rather than quantitative analysis. The performance
indicators include the appointment of an energy manager, data reporting, monitoring and targeting, implementation,
an energy management plan, and staff education.
Status: The Government's Environment 2010 Strategy contains a framework of overarching goals for the
environment. These goals are qualitative, not quantitative. All sustainable production initiatives in industry in New
Zealand are undertaken on a voluntary basis. Central and local government agencies commission a variety of
research activities relative to sustainable consumption and production to meet their particular information
requirements (for example to assist the development of environmental policies). Financial constraints may affect
the ability of agencies to implement effective programmes to address issues related to promoting sustainable
consumption and production. However, a more binding constraint is likely to be that businesses see the benefits of
more sustainable production processes accruing primarily to the community rather than to them, while they face the
direct costs of putting such processes in place.

Capacity-Building, Education, Training and Awareness-Raising: The Government's environmental education
strategy provides the framework for educating the community to take up environmentally sound behaviour,
including that relating to production and consumption. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority
disseminates information on energy efficiency through seminars and publications, including a newsletter. The
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has provided materials (including displays, papers and videos) for teachers of
subjects associated with sustainable resource and land use. These materials are designed to advance sustainable
agriculture in educational institutions. The packaging industry has developed an education strategy. Various nongovernmental
organisations in New Zealand promote sustainable consumption and production. An example is The
Natural Step Environment Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand, a charitable trust and a subsidiary of the Natural
Step International. The Natural Step outlines four system conditions required for sustainable production and use of
resources, and recognises that sustainability must be achieved by building consensus between all sectors of the
community: government, industry, environmental organisations, the scientific community, households and
individuals. Some awareness campaigns are operating at the local government level. An example is the Wellington
Regional Council's water conservation awareness campaign.
Information: National level indicators of the state of New Zealand's environment are currently being developed
and trialed as part of the Ministry for the Environment's environmental performance indicators programme. The
current priority is to pilot and implement indicators for air, freshwater, land, ozone, and climate change. These will
be trialed over the next two years and fully implemented in 2000. At the same time, work is continuing to confirm
indicators for the marine environment, terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity, and waste, hazardous substances, and
toxic contaminants. Indicators for transport, energy, pests, weeds, and diseases are to follow. Current plans provide
for these latter sets of indicators to be implemented in the period 2000-2005. The aim is to have a set of core
environmental indicators in place by the turn of the century. Once the full suite of indicators is established,
consistent information on environmental trends will be used to review and reform policies and research initiatives
on a risk basis. The Ministry for the Environment's website allows access to environmental data as part of its
environmental performance indicators programme.
The Ministry for the Environment monitors implementation of the Resource Management Act using a variety of
methods, including case studies and an Annual Survey of Local Authorities. Information on consumption and
production patterns in New Zealand revealed in The State of New Zealand's Environment includes information on
water consumption, energy consumption and waste. Existing information to assist policy makers, industry and the
general public is available from disparate sources. .A variety of Ministry for the Environment publications are
generally available on its website. New Zealand has developed, with a local government body (the Auckland
Regional Council) a national on-line database of cleaner production case studies.
Research and Technologies: The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Author ity was established in 1992 to
encourage adoption of technologies that are energy-efficient and use renewable energy resources. The Packaging
Accord encourages the adoption of technologies that help reduce packaging waste. The Environmental Choice ecolabe
l helps consumers find products that ease the burden on the environment.
Financing: Some of these activities are financed by baseline Governmental funding to the Ministry for the
Environment and other government agencies; others are funded through fixed-duration (non-baseline) funding to
the Ministry for the Environment and other agencies. The New Zealand Government also commissions research
and activities in this area using the following special public funds: the Public Good Science Fund (PGSF) is the
New Zealand Governments major strategic research fund with NZ$290.7 million allocated in the 1998/99 financial
year. The Marsden Fund was established to support excellent research and researchers and to enhance the quality
of the research environment by creating increased opportunity to undertake research that is purely curiosity-driven.
Sustainable Management Fund: The Ministry for the Environment administers a Sustainable Management Fund
(SMF) to pay for research needs in the area of sustainable management. The SMF has an annual budget of
approximately NZ$5.0 million to support community initiatives that help achieve the Government's environmental
management priorities. Voluntary adoption of eco-efficient and cleaner production practices by industry is
generally self-funded.
Cooperation: New Zealand participates in international fora, including, CSD, OECD, APEC, UNEP, the Australia
and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC), and the South Pacific Regional
Environmental Programme (SPREP), the work programmes of which (particularly CSD and OECD) often involve
sustainable consumption and production matters.

COMBATING POVERTY

Programmes and Projects: New Zealand provides a comprehensive set of targeted income support programmes
with many supplementary programmes to meet individual and family needs. The government has recently
announced a package of tax reductions and family assistance measures which will increase the net income of all
low income families with dependent children. This set of policies and strategies is geared to reduce economic
hardship for individuals and families in a sustainable way within the context of an overall growth strategy for New
Zealand. Given the substantial amount of policy work already implemented, and the new programme initiatives
which are underway, the government has decided that no specific initiatives or other policy measures are necessary.
Status: New Zealand is fortunate that absolute poverty, as defined in the Programme of Action of the Copenhagen
World Summit for Social Development, 1995 is not part of its economic and social environment. Consequently, the
Government has stated that there has been no need to develop a plan and a target date for the eradication of absolute
poverty. The Government believes that sustained and sustainable economic growth and development is the best
way to address poverty in general, stressing the importance of productive employment in developing a dynamic
approach to individual and family income, and the efficiency of the "safety net" provided by income support
systems. The economic reforms of the past decade have provided a sound framework for economic growth and
development. During the past two years a Task Force has recommended, and the government has adopted, policies
to improve employment outcomes for New Zealanders, in particular for the young unemployed and for the longterm
unemployed.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND RELATED DOMESTIC POLICIES

Decision-Making: The Development Cooperation Division (DEV) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(MFAT) and other New Zealand Government line agencies are involved as appropriate. New Zealand is a strong
supporter of the Barbados Programmeme of Action for Small Island Developing States. Coordination is achieved
through regular contact between ministries and relevant aid agencies. Any matters requiring ministerial attention
are drafted into widely circulated papers. The Development Cooperation Division regularly seeks input from
relevant agencies where specialist expertise is lacking in MFAT and where line agency input to policy
implementation is likely. Decision making is retained at central government level via MFAT, although the
participation of other agencies/ representatives of civil society is generally sought. Decision-making on the one
NZODA programmeme of special relevance to sustainable development (The Pacific Initiative for the
Environment) is informed by a non central Government advisory group.
There are a variety of measures to support agencies and initiatives linked to sustainable development. Examples
include: The Pacific Initiative for the Environment; the International Development Association; The Asian
Development Fund; the United Nations Development Programme; the Commonwealth Fund for Technical
Cooperation; the Global Environment Facility; the IBRD; IFC; ADB; the International Fund for Agricultural
Development; and the Commission on Sustainable Development. NZ also facilitates small island state
involvement in sustainable development activities including through specific programmes delivered to the Alliance
of Small Island States and to the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission. Regional integration and
cooperation in sustainable development including environmental protection: New Zealand is a founding member of
the Pacific Forum, a regional grouping of 16 member states dedicated to regional cooperation. It actively
contributes to the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme and the Round Table for Nature Conservation.
New Zealand has been at the forefront of efforts to improve the multilateral trading system including through active
participation in the WTO, the Cairns Group and through the promotion of bilateral and sub regional initiatives
involving Australia, Asian, Pacific and American trade partners. Import licensing has been removed, trade
distorting subsidies have been dismantled and tariffs lowered or eliminated on most traded goods and services. The
deregulation of domestic markets has permitted greater competition, including for foreign firms. The government
recently announced that it will grant all Least Developed Countries duty free access from 1 July 2001. In addition,
least developed and South Pacific countries already benefit from non reciprocal trade preferences. New Zealand
does not maintain any quotas. Work is ongoing on improving mutual recognition of standards and conformance.
Representatives of NGOs, civil society, Maori and women sit on an Environment Advisory Group overseeing The
Pacific Initiative for the Environment. Linkages with these and other major groups are maintained by ODA
administrators on an ongoing basis including with the scientific community and private sector. All delivery and
implementation of NZODA projects is via NGOs, multilateral and regional implementing agencies and the private
sector (which includes Crown Research Institutes and Crown Owned Enterprises). Close links are maintained with
government agencies responsible for women, indigenous people, labour, science, commerce, and farming.
NZODA seeks to foster private and public sector cooperation both generally and via specific schemes noted above
(PIIDS, ADAF, PPP). Project implementation/delivery is contracted to private sector agents in most cases.
Programmes and Projects: Two regional schemes: Asian Development Assistance Fund (ADAF) and Pacific
Island Investment Development (PIDS) scheme are designed to link the New Zealand private sector with
developing country private sector initiatives. The Pacific Island Investment Development Scheme (PIIDS)
provides an example of officia l co-funding incentives including for commercial development opportunities.
NZODA is also piloting a Public/Private Sector Partnership (PPP) scheme to assist the development of robust incountry
public and private sector joint ventures for environmentally sustainable development. NZODA is also the
principal donor assisting the development of innovative and private sector linked mechanisms for funding Pacific
Island biodiversity conservation.
Status: New Zealand Official Development Assistance has been steadily increasing in recent years. It increased
by 35% over 1995-1999, from NZ$187.6m to NZ$253.2m. Over this period bilateral ODA increased by 29%;
multilateral assistance increased by 57%, and Emergency Relief (included in the Bilateral Programme) by 78%. It
is estimated that the private flows to developing countries from New Zealand voluntary agencies (NGOs) decreased
by 11% over the 1995-99 period. It is also worth noting there are significant private remittances flowing from New
Zealand to Pacific Island states.
At the operational level, challenges are experienced in developing locally owned strategies for sustainable
development which translate through into a genuine focus for action. Donor coordination within such nationally
owned strategies, once developed, is a further challenge. Coordinating diverse interests also presents challenges,
particularly when attempting to establish an agreed framework for action upon which partnership can be based.
Institutional challenges include overcoming a lack of support among vested interest groups. Planning for structural
adjustment must be done to ensure maximum payoffs from an enhanced competitive environment.
Capacity-Building, Education, Training and Awareness-Raising: Additional funds have been allocated in
2000/01 to a programme of communications aimed to ensure improved public understanding of international
development issues including that of sustainability and the role and contribution of New Zealand’s Official
Development Assistance. Information is channeled through secondary schools curricula, NGO’s and community
groups. Media people have been targeted for familiarisation visits to Pacific aid projects and a public outreach
programme of seminars on NZODA has been introduced this year. There has been Development of Best Practice
Guidelines for international development consultants. An Education and Training Plan has been devised by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for staff working in its Development Cooperation Division. All categories
are targeted by the DEV Education and Training Plan. In addition, NZ has used the PIE to fund an environment
training needs assessment for the Pacific region and, as with NZODA bilateral programmes, will respond to
requests from developing partners accordingly
Information: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade publishes a wide variety of reports on international
cooperation activities, reports annually to parliament, and maintains a public access website. The Ministry
regularly contacts interest groups using telecommunications and internet facilities. Seminars and workshops
feature on the Ministry’s calendar of events. The Development Cooperation Division of the Ministry offers an
internet address of its own.
Research and Technologies: New Zealand is supportive of international initiatives to promote technology transfer
for sustainable development. It has ratified treaties which include technology transfer objectives and contributes to
multilateral funding facilities utilised for the same ends. NZ Official Development Assistance programmes include
strong know-how transfer components and educational themes. The delivery of assistance projects in developing
countries involves the tendering and award of supply contracts. Contracts can be structured to promote
environmentally sound technologies, in accordance with partner country requirements. Penalties exist for breaches
of copyright and patents to guard against the abuse of intellectual property rights. Effective synergies can be
achieved between the public and private sectors in promoting environmentally sound technologies. Commercial
imperatives are respected by the public sector, which in turn creates economic opportunities for firms and offers
cost-effective and commercial solutions to development partners.
Financing: New Zealand Official Development Assistance currently equates to 0.27% of GNP. This has increased
from 0.23% in 1995. Private financial flows and multilateral fund facilities are the other major sources for
sustainable development funding.
Cooperation: New Zealand strongly supports multilateral efforts to make trade and the environment mutually
supportive. New Zealand participates in the OECD Joint Session of Trade and Environment Experts (JEG) and the
World Trade Organisation's Committee on Trade and Environment (WTO CTE) (preceded by the GATT Group on
Environmental Measures and International Trade (EMIT). Contributions include: UNDP, UNDP Capacity 21, UN
Capital Development Fund; OCHA, WFP, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNFPA, UN Fund for Mine Clearance, UNIFEM,UNDCP, UNIDO, WHO: Tropical Diseases Research, UN Human Rights Programme, Montreal Protocol for the
Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Forum Secretariat, Pacific Community, Forum Fisheries Agency, University of
the South Pacific, South Pacific Board for Educational Assessments.
Examples of fora in which New Zealand is active include: OECD; the UN and its agencies such as the CSD,
UNEP, UNDP; the Forum Fisheries Agency; South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission; the Pacific
Community; the Pacific Islands Forum; International Whaling Commission; South Pacific Regional Environment
Programme; the Valdivia Group. NZ is party to agreements, treaties, conventions and protocols related to
sustainable development including those with effect in the following areas: weapons and disarmament; biodiversity;
fisheries; the seabed and oceans; endangered species; conservation; Antarctica; timber; wetlands; development
cooperation; trade; environment; health; intellectual property; energy; commodities; and agriculture.
New Zealand has entered into numerous agreements with trade provisions including those which promote freer
trade, the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures, the application of veterinary and health standards, the
control of hazardous or dangerous substances, and the control of trade in certain species.

COMMONLY USED ACRONYMS

ACS Association of Caribbean States
AMCEN Africa Ministerial Conference on the Environment
AMU Arab Maghreb Union
APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations
CARICOM The Caribbean Community and Common Market
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CIS Commonwealth of Independent States
CGIAR Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
CILSS Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
COMESA Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
CSD Commission on Sustainable Development of the United Nations
DESA Department for Economic and Social Affairs
ECA Economic Commission for Africa
ECCAS Economic Community for Central African States
ECE Economic Commission for Europe
ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
ESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
ESCWA Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
EU European Union
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FIDA Foundation for International Development Assistance
GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
GAW Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO)
GEF Global Environment Facility
GEMS Global Environmental Monitoring System (UNEP)
GESAMP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GIS Geographical Information Systems
GLOBE Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment
GOS Global Observing System (WMO/WWW)
GRID Global Resource Information Database
HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
ICSC International Civil Service Commission
ICSU International Council of Scientific Unions
ICT Information and Communication Technology
ICTSD International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development

IEEA Integrated Environmental and Economic Accounting
IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development
IFCS Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety
IGADD Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development
ILO International Labour Organisation
IMF International Monetary Fund
IMO International Maritime Organization
IOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
IPCS International Programme on Chemical Safety
IPM Integrated Pest Management
IRPTC International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals
ISDR International Strategy for Disaster Reduction
ISO International Organization for Standardization
ITTO International Tropical Timber Organization
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
LA21 Local Agenda 21
LDCs Least Developed Countries
MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
MEAs Multilateral Environmental Agreements
NEAP National Environmental Action Plan
NEPAD New Partnership for Africa’s Development
NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations
NSDS National Sustainable Development Strategies
OAS Organization of American States
OAU Organization for African Unity
ODA Official Development Assistance/Overseas Development Assistance
OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
PPP Public-Private Partnership
PRSP Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers
SACEP South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme
SADC Southern African Development Community
SARD Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development
SIDS Small Island Developing States
SPREP South Pacific Regional Environment Programme
UN United Nations
UNAIDS United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
UNCHS United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat)
UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNDRO Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNFF United Nations Forum on Forests
UNFPA United Nations Populatio n Fund
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund
UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UNIFEM United Nations Development Fund for Women
UNU United Nations University
WFC World Food Council
WHO World Health Organization
WMO World Meteorological Organization
WSSD World Summit on Sustainable Development
WTO
WWF
World Trade Organization
World Wildlife Fund
WWW World Weather Watch (WMO)

Mountains of New Zealand

A listing based on
topographical merit

Mountains are the beginning and
end of all natural scenery
John Ruskin 1819-1900


Introduction

“How many mountains are there in New Zealand?” is a question to
which there will never be a definitive answer, but it is hoped that these
listings stimulate conversation and debate, and suggest more than a few
challenges for those willing to take them up.
The listings in these pages set out all those ‘mountains’ in New Zealand
that meet two simple tests: firstly, that they reach an altitude of 1400
metres or more; and secondly, that they are at least 300 metres above
the lowest saddle between them and the adjacent ‘mountain’. The first
test was selected as the lowest rounded amount that would exclude all
peaks that do not extend above the bush line. In the event two peaks in
the Raukumara Range defy this assumption.
The second test was chosen to ensure that the mountains included are
commandingly higher than their environs and are clearly separate
mountains and not subsidiary peaks. 300 metres of re-ascent is a
demanding test in this regard.
The result is a list of 856 mountains: more than a life time’s challenge
for anybody! 35 of these are in the North Island and 821 in the South
Island.
Of course, any listing that identifies mountains formulaically (or any
other way for that matter) will carry a certain arbitrariness. This one is
no exception, and leaves out a number of mountains that might make a
claim for consideration. Some of these are:
• A number of rugged peaks of south and west Fiordland where the
heights fall below 1400 metres.
• Several very long ridges where there is insufficient undulation to
provide 300 metres of re-ascent leading to situations where the
adjacent mountains are 20 km apart or more. Examples include
the Two Thumb Range, east of the Macaulay river and the bounds
of the Dobson river.
• Numerous peaks that are either very beautiful, or provide fine
climbs, or a varied challenge. The 100 Peaks Challenge prepared by
the New Zealand Alpine Club’s Otago section to mark the Club’s
centenary in 1991 is the premier listing in this regard. It is
published in the Nov/Dec 1990 NZAC Bulletin.



Challenges There are some to whom any list is a challenge! What might those
looking for a challenge take on from this one?
Most of the mountains are difficult and remote. Allowing time for
weather, seasons, but not the need to make a living, a concerted
attempt on them will probably take a decade or three of continuous
climbing! Here are some more plausible but still challenging
suggestions:
The Big Target The 71 at 2500 metres and over
The Tramper’s Century Any 100
The Grand Tour 97 being any one from each of the map
sheets
The Local Blitz All the mountains in your local or
favourite National Park. Neighbours of
Fiordland and Aspiring could reasonably
settle for the highest or any 50.
Clusters and Undoubtedly the most jagged area is northern and central Fiordland,
Outliers with the Eglington map (Sheet D41) having the most peaks, followed
by its neighbours George (C42) and Milford (D40). The next most
fertile area for finding peaks is the area to the west of the Haast Pass,
particularly the bounds of the upper Wilkin and Young rivers.
In both of these areas, traversing between peaks is generally very
difficult. The most promising area for rapid peak bagging is the Mt
Owen plateau in Kahurangi, where four peaks are in easy distance of
Granity Pass Hut.
The closest pairs are:
• Mt Action and Mt Victor 1.06 km apart in Mt Aspiring National
Park, separated by The Gateway
• Leary Peak and Mt Earnslaw 1.12 km apart in Mt Aspiring
National Park, separated by Wright Col (and the closest of those
pairs over 2500 metres)
• Mt Williams and Mt Percy Smith 1.47 km apart on the Main
Divide near the head of the Hopkins Valley
• .1552 and .1480 in 1.47 apart in Skippers Range above Lake
McKerrow in Fiordland National Park
• Mt Pollux and Mt Castor 1.50 km apart in Mt Aspiring
National Park
• .1577 and Mt Soaker West 1.62 km apart to the east of Doubtful
Sound in Fiordland National Park.
Malte Brun and Mt Hamilton in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park are
the closest pair among those above 2600 metres. They are 2.2 km
apart and are in fact both over 3000 metres. Above 3100m the closest
pair is Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
Of all the mountains listed, the most isolated from its neighbours is
Summit Rock in the Rock and Pillar Range 46 kms from its neighbour
Mt Pisgah in the Danseys Pass area. The next most is .1435 an northwestern
outlier of the Ruahines which is 28 km from Rongotea in the
same range.
Taking mountains above altitude thresholds increasing in 100 metre
bands, others notably remote from their neighbours of similar height
are Mt Egmont, and Mt Murchison in Arthur’s Pass National Park. Mt
Aspiring is very isolated from the other 3000 metre peaks.
Technical Notes
Mapping All data is based on Land Information New Zealand Series 260
1:50,000 scale mapping.
Heights For all mountains identified, spot heights are available and these are
the heights given. All heights are in metres.
Saddles In most cases, spot heights for saddles are not available, and saddle
height could only be identified as falling in a 20 metre contour interval.
In 35 cases, there is resulting uncertainty as to whether peaks meet the
300 metres of re-ascent criteria. These peaks have been included in the
tables, but identified as such. They have been given full status in
determining rankings.
Alternates In nine cases two adjacent peaks with a ‘non-qualifying’ saddle
between them have identical spot heights. In these cases, both are
shown in the tables, but the pair only count once for ranking purposes.
Names Where available, mountain names have been taken from the LINZ
mapping exactly as listed. A large portion of the mountains are only
identified by spot heights. In a number of these cases, mountains are
near or adjacent to named peaks. Where appropriate these names have
been used with embellishments ‘…NW Peak’, ‘South…’ etc. In a
handful of cases the names used have been derived from other nearby
geographic features such as ridges. In no case have truly original names


been used. In all cases where the name is not exactly as listed on the
LINZ mapping, this has been identified in the tables, and may need to
be taken into account when locating the peak on the map.
Grid References Grid references were taken from the map using a roamer and have been
rounded to the nearest multiple of 100 metres. Amounts up to and including
50 metres have been rounded down. In some cases amounts up to and
including 950 metres and a bit more have been rounded down to 900 metres
to keep them in the ‘right’ grid square.
Map Sheets The 260 series mapping divides the country into 30 km by 40 km squares,
each with a reference of the form eg M26. This is the reference that has been
used in the underlying data base - not the name of any oversized sheet.
Tables B and D are organised by reference, but the name of the parent
oversized sheet has been borrowed for the sheet name where applicable.
Ranges Although in many cases, range names are given on the map sheets, the extent
of the area to which the name applies is not clear. Where there is any
ambiguity, a conservative approach has been taken and the range name not
used. Anyone trying to rationalise range names has to contend with such
perplexities as Mt Somers being near, but clearly not on, the Mt Somers
range.
Verification It is inevitable in a project of this nature that the listings will contain errors. The
database has been verified by electronically superimposing the names, height
and location of all peaks over a geo-referenced scanned set of the 260 sheets.
This should give a good degree of confidence that the data included is
accurate. There is greater difficulty in verifying that all mountains meeting
the criteria have been identified. Please send any corrections or amendments
to mountainlisting@alpineclub.org.nz.
National Park The inclusion of peaks within or on National Park boundaries has been
Boundaries determined using the most recently available 273 series Parkmap.

Where they lie…