Development Within Environmental Limits
Natural sandstone pavement and waste rock dumps at Stockton Mine, mine site rehabilitation (Jo Cavanagh).
National Outcome: Increase the ability of New Zealand industries and organisations to develop within environmental limits and meet market and community requirements.
New Zealand’s primary sector exports, national tourism industry and our national reputation for spectacular film locations are all underpinned by the perceived environmental integrity of our landscapes – a key part of the ‘New Zealand story’. To sustain this brand, and the well-being of our own society, sectors must operate within complex environmental limits, balancing the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders across government, the primary sector, Māori and communities.
Our research supports agencies tasked with developing and implementing effective environmental policy, regulation and practices for sustainable resource use. Increasingly, we are working with primary sector businesses and Māori entities to ensure that our productive sectors have a license to operate, both here in New Zealand and offshore in export markets. A key part of our work is to develop and apply integrated approaches to manage the impacts of primary production on the natural environment, and provide tools to demonstrate this to communities and consumers alike.
Our work also supports MPI and other operational agencies tasked with managing biosecurity on behalf of New Zealanders, New Zealand’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, as well as DOC, regional councils and land managers responsible for weed and other pest management. Our partnership with TBfree New Zealand (OSPRI) to eradicate bovine TB by managing sources of infection in wildlife, in possums particularly, delivers significant benefit for biodiversity.
Impact 4.1
Factors (including the form of institutions) required to resolve complex environmental issues are understood, and opportunities recognised for adapting to global change and reducing vulnerability to resource scarcity.
Impact 4.2
Best solutions that integrate economic, social, cultural and environmental initiatives for business and industry are effective in maintaining or enhancing their international competitiveness, market access and social licence to operate.
