The Environmental Protection Authority is the government agency responsible for regulatory functions concerning New Zealand’s environmental management.
These include national consenting under the Resource Management Act, regulation of hazardous substances and new organisms, ozone depleting chemicals, hazardous waste exports and imports, and assessment of environmental effects in Antarctica.
Management of the Emissions Trading Scheme will transfer to the EPA on 1 January 2012.
The EPA has also been identified as the proposed consenting authority for activities taking place within the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf in the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environment Effects) Bill, introduced in Parliament on 24 August 2011.
In doing our work, we liaise with other government agencies in New Zealand and internationally, industry, science and research bodies, Māori, and the public.
Structure
The EPA is a Crown Agent.
- The Board comprises six to eight people appointed by the Minister for the Environment.
- The management team and staff of the EPA report to the Chief Executive.
- Ngā Kaihautū Tikanga Taiao helps the EPA incorporate Māori interests and concerns in its decision-making.
- The HSNO committee has delegated decision-making powers relating to applications made under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.