To: Ministry for the Environment Maud?: Mo? Taicm New Zealand mmumuvcn 0?0 9 Statistics Hon Amy Adams, Minister for the Environment Hon Nicky Wagner, Minister of Statistics Topics for the 2015 report Other Dept Tracking 14?8?00891 "Tracking Number: Number: Date Submitted: Priority: Urgent Security Level: IN CONFIDENCE Number of One Attachments: I. Action Sought: Approval/Agreement Response Needed 3 September'i20?l41 by: .. Ministry for the Environment Contacts Position Name Telephone 1st Contact (cell) I. __(work) Principal author 59(2)(a) . 59(2)(a) Responsible Manager Tom Bowen 021.535 i457 04 439 7792 Director Malcolm McKee 2931? 4216 04 439 7407 Statistics New Zealand Contacts Position Name Telephone 151; Contact I "m (cell) (work) Responsible Manager Stephen oak-lay 04 931 4670 Director Michele Lloyd 04 931 4507 Executive 1. The purposepf this-briefing is to recommend topics for your approval for the 2015 report. The topics are being recommended for your approval through this process because regulations will not be made in sufficient time to inform the development of the report. A list of tepics recommended for your approval for the 2015 report, with a description of each topic and the reasons for including it, has been included in Appendix 1. - I-jT-he topics will be reported on using a national indicator, case study or commentary, as with the Air Domain Report. Not all of the topics you approve will be able to be reported on using a national indicator in the 2015 report. This is due to time and cost limitations. Data to measure the topics will be sourced from existing data sets. No additional data sourcing costs will be imposed on local and regional councils. lf approval of the topics were delayed beyond the election it would not be possible to produce a report by 30 June 2015 that was shaped by the topics. The 2015 report will be used to pilot the process for producing reports under the Bill. Situation Analysis Reporting prior to primary legislation and regulations being in place 6. Clause 18 of the Environmental Reporting Bill (the Bill) specifies that regulations are to be made, by the joint recommendation of the Minister for the Environment and the Minister of Statistics, prescribing the topics to be covered in domain and reports. The Bill also specifies that the first report is to be published by 30 June 2015 (cl. in order to meet the 30 June 2015 deadline, topics for the 2015 report need' to be determined outside of regulations, because the report will be published before the relevant regulations can be made. While there is no strict requirement to do so?, we recommend that the process for setting topics and producing the first report follow the process set out in the Bill as closely as practicable. This is why'we are recommending topics for your approval through this briefing note. Following the process in the Bill will provide an opportunity to pilot the process, to test andvrefine the framework for producing reports. it is also likely to increase public confidence in the 2015 report. The topics recommended for approval in this briefing are for the'putposes of the 2015 report only. There will be a separate process for recommending topics to be set in regulation under the Bill after it has come into effect.'This will be informed by consultation and a Regulatory Impact Assessment. How topic approval influences data sourcing and report: production 9. 10. Topics define the scope of what is to be reported on. This will influence the data that needs to be sourced to produce statistics? for the 2015 report. Data sourcing will take several months." No further data can be included in the report after 31 December 2014 without" ca'uSing delays to its publication and potentially compromising the quality of the report. If approval of the topics were delayed beyond the election, it would not be. passible to produce a report by 30 June 2015 that was shaped by topics'that-yOU have approved. Advice Topics recommended for-approval for the 2015 report 11. 12. 13. We have. provided a list of topics recommended for the 2015 report in AppendiX-j fOr your consideration and approval. This list includes an outline of the scope-of each topic. While the Bill is not yet in force, we consider the considerations it sets out for topic selection to provide useful guidance. Clause specifies that Ministers must be satisfied that any: pressure topic or impact topic affects significant areas, resources, or numbers of people: I topic can be measured with robust statistical methods: pressure topic is closely related to any state topic that it is asserted to affect: impact topic is closely related to any state topic that is asserted to give rise to that impact. Technical Advisory Groups (TAGS) were used to develop content for each domain, and were asked to consider the clause 18(2) tests when recommending topics. The topics were then refined by officials to ensure they were consistent in language and level of 14. 15. 16. detail across domains, and assess whether they met requirements envisaged under the Bill. We consider that the topics recommended for approval meet these tests. Due to the refinement of the topic list during the development process, we intend to communicate the approved topic list with TAGs. This will ensure they are not surprised by any changes upon release of the 2015 report. Confidentiality agreements are in place to ensure TAG members treat this information appropriately. The topics will be reported on using a national indicator, case study or commentary, as with the Air Domain Report. Not all of the topics you approve will be able to be reported on using a national indicator statistic in the 2015 report. This is due to time- and cost limitations for data sourcing. Data for these topics will be sourced from existing data sets. The cost of data sourcing and analysis will be covered using funding allocated to the Ministry for the Environment for this purpose [see briefing note While the Minister for the Environment can require information under section 360 of the ResourceIManagement Act 1991, there is no provision in the Bill for officials to require informat'EOn for the purposes of environmental reporting. Therefore, no direct data sourcing Costs will be imposed on local or regional councils. Where data is to be sourced "Councils, it will be data they already collect. There may be some administrative.- costs involved in aggregating the data; these will be in line with data requests '-cuirently made by for information collected by councils. - Considering costs when setting statistics 17. 18. 19. 20. As the Bill is currently drafted, clause 13(3)(a) requires the Government Statistician to follow best practice principles and protocols when deciding what statistics be used to measure topics. i The intention of thisdrafting is to give effeCt-to the Cabinet decision for the Government Statistician to apply the Principles and-Protocols for Producers of Tier 1 Statistics (the Principles) min 13 26/6], The. Principles will apply not only to individual Tier 1 statistics, but to the full environmental reporting regime. The Principles include a range? of criteria that the Government Statistician must satisfy before setting any statistics, including, but not limited to, Tier 1 statistics. This includes Principle 2, which ensures the costs of setting a statistic are considered by specifying: ?The selection of statistical sources, methods and procedures is a professional responsibility and is based on scientific principles and best international practice, taking into account-the cost implications to government and providers?. We considerth'e existing mechanisms set out under clause the Statistics Act 1975.\and "the Principles, ensure sufficient cost consideration by the Government Statistician when statistics are set. Should you wish, consideration of costs could be strengthened by recommending insertion of a clause through the Departmental Report. and Mitigations v_ '21. 22. Because this is a pilot process which parallels passage of the Bill through Parliament, consultation on provisional topics for the 2015 report has been limited. In particular, no consultation with the general public or the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) has taken place. This may not match expectations created by the Bill for future reporting. This risk is mitigated by significant involvement of technical experts in developing topics. It can also be addressed by communicating on release of the 2015 report that the topics are provisional, and will be replaced when the Bill comes into force by a more enduring set which will benefit from a rigorous consultation process. WITHHOLD Consultation 24. TAG advice was sought when developing the topics recommended for approval. Next steps 25. Provided we receive your approval of the topics before the election, we will finalise the set of statistics to be included in the report, and progress data procurement to enable production of the report for publication by 30 June 2015. We recommend that you: a) b) C) d) 9) Note that regulations under the Environmental Reporting Bill will not be made in sufficient time to inform the 2015 report topics, and the report will be used to pilot the process for producing reports under the Bill. Note that officials consider that the provisional topics proposed for the 2015 report meet the requirements of clause 18(2) of the Bill, which specifies the matters that the Ministers must be satisfied of before recommending the topics to be set in regulation. Note that due to time and cost limitations for data sourcing, not all of the topics you approve will be able to be reported on using a national indicator in the-2015 report. Topics will be covered using either a national indicator, case study or commentary, as with the Air Domain Report. . Note that officials consider existing mechanisms set out in Statistics Act 1975 and the Principles and Protocols for Producers ssof'Tier 1 Statistics, sufficiently covers the concern of cost consideration when. setting statistics. Advise whether you want officials to investigate alternative options for ensuring cost is considered when setting statistics, Departmental Report process. Yes I No Atmosphere and Climate domain Agree to the following topics for the-atmosphere and climate domain for the 2015 report (with set out inu-Appendix 1): Pressure topics - - a. Global emissions of greenhouse gases and ozone?depleting substances Yes I No b. Sea temperature?s'influence on weather and climate Yes I No State topics c. Greenhbuse gases that absorb infrared radiation and contribute to climate Change Yes I No d. Atmospheric ozone over New Zealand Yes I No e. .VariatiOns in Atmospheric circulation that drive New Zealand?s Climate Yes I No National and Regional Temperature Yes I No Rain, hail, sleet and snow Yes I No The occurrence of extreme weather events Yes I No Sunshine hours and solar intensity Yes I No Impact topics j. Impacts on biodiversity Yes I No k. Economic production by primary industries Yes! No l. Impacts on tourism Yes I No m. Chronic health effects related to our changing climate Yes I No n. Acute health effects related to our changing climate Yes I No Air domain g) Agree to the following topics for the air domain for the 2015 report (with supporting information set out in Appendix 1): Pressure topics a. Emissions of air pollutants from home heating Yes I No b. Emissions of air pollutants from transport Yes I No 0. Emissions of air pollutants from industrial activities Yes I No d. Emissions of air pollutants from primary industries Yes I No e. Natural sources of particulate matter and other air pollutants Yes I No f. Meteorological conditions that trap or disperse air pollutants Yes I No State topics g. Airborne particles of concern to human health Yes-I No h. Airborne gases of concern to human health No i. Airborne metals of concern to human health I Yes I No j. Airborne organic compounds of concern to human health 'Yes I No Impact topics .- k. Chronic health effects related to air quality - Yes I No l. Acute health effects related to air quality Yes I No Freshwater domain h) Agree to the following topics for thefrfE'ishvvater domain for the 2015 report (with supporting information sate-utin'Appendix 1): Pressure topics a. Contaminant discharges tp freshwater Yes I No b. Abstractions and diversions-that affect rivers, lakes, and groundwater . Yes I No 0. Land cover in freshvvat'er catchments Yes I No d. Land erosion in freshwater catchments Yes I No e. Landscape and form of freshwater catchments Yes I No f. Climate efteCts. on the freshwater environment Yes] No State topics-3- - g. Condition and physical characteristics of freshwater habitats Yes I No h. Presence or abundance of freshwater plants and animals Yes I No i, Biological productivity of lakes and rivers Yes I No j. Chemical properties of river?, lake?, and ground?water Yes I No it. Freshwater sediment, clarity, quantities, and flows Yes I No l. Organisms that cause disease or illness Yes I No Impact topics m. Impacts on biodiversity Yes I No n. Economic impacts related to primary industries Yes I No 0. Energy generation and mineral extraction Yes I No p. Urban freshwater use Yes I No q. Impacts on tourism Yes I No r. Acute health effects related to freshwater quality Yes I No 3. Access to and use of freshwater environments for customary materials and food Yes I No Cultural significance of the freshwater environment to Maori Yes I No u. Recreational use of the freshwater environment Yes I No Land domain i) Agree to the following topics for the land domain for the 2015 report (with supporting information set out in Appendix 1): Pressure topics a. Land use and land use change Yes I No b. Effects of surface and groundwater on the land environment Yes I No c. Climate effects on the land environment Yes I No d. Landscape and physical form Yes I No State topics . e. Presence and abundance of indigenous plants and animals Yes -I- No f. Ability of terrestrial ecosystems to function effectively Yes -I 'No Q. The occurrence of invasive plants and animals Yes! No h. Vegetation and other land cover . . No i. Status of, and susceptibility to, erosion Yes I No j. Soil health and quality Yes I No k. Soil types Yes I No l. Land contaminated by hazardous substances Yes I No Pressure topics m. Impacts on biodiversity - Yes I No n. Economic impacts related to primary industries Yes I No 0. Extent of highly productive soils available for food production Yes I No p. Energy generation and mineral extraction Yes I No q. Impacts on tourism . - Yes I No r. Chronic health effects, result-ing'fro-m condition and management of land .. Yes! No 8. Acute health effects, resulting from condition and management of land . - Yes I No t. Access to and use off-the land environment to provide customary materials and food Yes I No u. Cultural significance of the land environment to Maori Yes I No v. Recreational use ofthe land environment Yes I No Marine domain j) Agree- to the following topics for the marine domain for the 2015 report (with-supporting information set out in Appendix 1): Pressure topics a. Discharges to the marine environment Yes I No b. Extraction of mineral and biological marine resources Yes I No 0. Marine habitat modification by human activity Yes I No d. Climate effects on the marine environment Yes I No State topics 9. Presence and abundance of indigenous plants and animals Yes I No f. Extent and occurrence of marine habitats Yes I No 9. Ability of marine ecosystems to function effectively Yes I No h. Presence and abundance of animals at the top of the food chain Yes I No i. Occurrence of invasive marine organisms Yes I No j. Quality of coastal and estuarine waters Yes I No k. Ocean acidity Yes I No l. Sea level, temperature, and circulation Yes I No Impact topics m. n. 9'99 ?1 Tom Bowen Manager, Environmental Reporting (Ministry for the Environment) Impacts on biodiversity Economic impacts related to primary industries Energy generation and mineral extraction Impacts on tourism Chronic health effects resulting from the condition of the marine environment Acute health effects resulting from the condition of the marine environment Access to and use of marine resources to provide customary materials and food Cultural significance ofthe marine environment to Maori Recreational use of the marine environment Michele Lloyd Research-(Statistics NZYes-I No Yes -I . No Manager Customer, Policy, and Date Date. II I Hon Amy Adams Date Minister for the Environment Hon Nicky Wagner-H . Date Minister of statistics Minister?s feedback on quality of briefing 1 2 3 4 5 note: 1 Was not satisfactory 4 Met and sometimes exceeded my expectations 2 Fell short of my expectations in some respects 5 Greatly exceeded my expectations 3 Met my expectations Appendix 1: Topics recommended for approval for the 2015 Report Atmosphere and {treats Pressure where: we to 991?. What human activities and natural factors affect New Zealand?s climate and atmosphere? Global emissions of greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances A her description-and ~reasOn;s?forinciUding Global greenhouse gas concentrations are one of the most signi?cant pressures on our climate. increases in their concentrations through emissions lead to increased temperature and changes in clouds, rainfall and"ivinds. This is of interest to New Zealanders as New Zealand depends on its climate for many aspects of everyday life and the economy, such as agricultural production and hydropower- The ozone layer in the stratosphere protects the earth from daniagin'g?UV rays. Substances such as CFCs can be carried aloft into the stratosphere where they act as in the destruction ctr-ozone. This topic looks at the emissions of these substances and the pressure they apply to ozone levels over New Zealand. Sea temperature's in?uence on weather and climate Sea surface temperature influences our weather and climate. also a measure of the heat taken up by the ocean from climate warming. This is important to New Zealanders as it can impact that depend on that climate such as agricultural production, recreation, and hydropower. -. - State What are the characteristics of New Zealand?s atmosphere and climate? Greenhouse gases that absorb infrared radiation and contribute to climate change Global greenhouse gas concentrations are onexof the. most signi?cant pressures on our climate. Increases in their concentrations lead to increased temperature and changes in clouds-grands" and winds. This is of interest to New Zealanders as New Zealand depends on its climate for many aspects of the economygandgejveryday life. Atmospheric ozone over New Zealand Ozone levels determine the amount oil that falls onto the earth?s surface. UV light is important for life. When levels are too high this can cause material deterioration, {sun-5min, cancer and death. This is important to New Zealanders as New Zealand has high UV leVels, high exposure to UV and high rat?ss?f deaths from skin cancer. Variations in Atmospheric circulation that drive New Zealand?s climate Variations in atmospheric circulations determine much of the variability in New Zealand?s climate. This is of interest to New Zealanders as the climatic variability affectsf?ternperature, rainfall, wind and sunshine, which will impact aspects of the economy, eg agricultural production. National and Temperature Regional Measurement of NetiEJeaIand's national average temperature, and regional representations such as average maximum and minimum temperatgre, annual number of frost days and warm days, day?night temperature differences, and growing degree days. Temperature is? air/key topic and has impacts across many aspects of everyday life in New Zealand. Temperature is of interest to New variations impact our heating needs, the water holding capacity of the air, the life cycles of many species, public health, and grass growing for, agricultural production. Rain, hail, sleet and snow Measurementof New Zealand's rainfall, snowfall and hail. Precipitation varies from hour-to?hour, day-to-day, year-to?year, and on very scales- Precipitation levels are important to New Zealanders as variations affect drinking water availability, hydropower generation, grass growth for agricultural production, and many other aspects of everyday life. The occurrence of extreme. weather events 1The occurrence of extreme weather (wind, rainfall, snow, and thunderstorms) that may cause damage to property, displacement of people, .Lo-r' a significant need to react to the event. Extreme weather events are of interest to New Zealanders because these events have a signi?cant impact on our society and economy, for example, ?ooding. Sunshine hours a'nd'solar intensity The number of sunshine hours in New Zealand, and the intensity of solar radiation emitted from the sun in the form of UV light. UV light is important for life, however when levels are too high this can cause material deterioration, sun burn, cancer and death. This is important to New Zealanders as New Zealand has high UV levels, high exposure to UV and high rate of deaths from skin cancer. Impact What are the effects of the condition of the atmosphere and climate on ecological integrity? impacts on biodiversity This includes measurement of indicators that impact the ecological resilience of New Zealand, by indicating changing conditions such as ocean acidity, drought conditions and water availability. These indicators show aspects of the impacts the changing climate ls having on our ecological resilience. What are the effects Economic production by of the atmosphere primary industries and climate and the change in its condition on the New Zealand economy? What are the effects of the condition of Chronic health effects .d . . ht. . lh atmosphere and related to our changing row es inSIg in _o cDronic eat ects of our changing climate. This __is-of interest to New Zealanders as changes to our climate will Climate on public climate have public health Implications, for example, skin cancer. - health What are the effects of the condition of Acute health effects related Provides insight into the acute health effects of our changing climate. This is of interest to New Zealanders as changes to our climate will atmosFlhere and . . have public health implications. For example New Zealand has high occurrences of man food and water borne di . . . . - seases climate on public to our Changing chmate expected to increase With a warmmg climate. and these are hea?h Many aspects of New Zealand?s economy, including agricultural production and tourism, are dependent on the atmosphere and climate. Therefore, this is of interest to New Zealanders as changes in our atmosphere and climate could impact New Zealand?s economic Impacts on tourism ?10 Pressure What-are we trying to find out? What human Emissions of air pollutants from home heating Further description and reasons for including Emissions of air pollutants from home heating (in particular, the burning of we are the main source of Key air pollutants in many locations in New Zealand. .-. Emissions of air pollutants from transport Emissions from transport are a signi?cant source of key air pollutants in manyflo'Eations in New Zealand. Emissions of air pollutants from industrial activities Emissions from industry can be a significant source of some air pollutants'in some locations in New Zealand. activities and natural factors affect New Zealand's quality? arr Emissions of air pollutants from primary industries Natural sources of particulate matter and other air pollutants Emissions from primary production activities may be a signi?cant'so?ume of some air pollutants in some locations in New Zealand. Natural sources are a signi?cant source of particulate matterahd some other air pollutants in some locations in New Zealand. Meteorological conditions that trap or disperse air pollutants Meteorological conditions can have a signi?cant affection the concentrations of air pollutants, eg high winds quickly disperse pollutants and low winds inhibit dispersion of pollutants. State Airborne particles of concern to human health The concentrations of particulate matter in Nevr"Z?ealand. Exposures to high particulate matter concentrations are associated with adverse health effects such as lung and heart conditions. PMro (a component of particulate matter) is the measured air pollutant that most frequently exceeds national and international thresholds in New Zealand. is one of the ?ve pollutants included in the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NESAQ). What is the condition of New Zealand?s air? Airborne gases of concern to human health The concentrations of carbon mggoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ground level ozone in New Zealand. Carbon monoxide is a gas that can aggravate heart conditions. Historically some locations in New Zealand have experienced elevated concentrations of carbon monoxide. Sulphur dioxide is associatedmith respiratory problems, such as bronchitis, and can aggravate the of asthma and chronic lung disease- Some location's-in New Zealand can experience elevated concentrations of sulphur dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a""ga_s that at elevated concentrations can aggravate asthma and reduce lung development in children- Some locations in Newzealand can experience elevated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide. Ground-level ozone is associated with increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases- There is much international interest in ozone as in many countries-czone concentrations are increasing and regularly exceed WHO short-term guideline values. All the gases; listed above are included in the NESAQ. Airborne metals of concern to human health The concentrations of arsenic and lead in New Zealand?s air. Arsenic can aggravate and is associated with heart conditions, and damaged nerves. ZAisenic is also associated with cancer of the skin and lungs. Indications are some locations in New Zealand can experience elevated concentrations of arsenic Lead can have adverse effects on the nervous system and can impair mental development in children and affect their hearing. Historically -i?soine locations in New Zealand have experienced elevated concentrations of lead. Airborne compounds of condom? to human health organ or . The concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene and benzene in New Zealand. Benzo(a)pyrene can irritate the eyes. nose, and throat, and is associated with lung cancer. Indications are some locations in New Zealand can experience elevated concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene. Benzene can have adverse effects on the nervous system and is associated with cancer. Some peak locations in New Zealand can experience elevated concentrations of benzene. impact What are the effects of the condition of air quality health on public Chronic health?? effects related to air duality Acute health--effects related to air quality The occurrence of health effects that are related to air quality. There are many studies demonstrating the population health effects due to exposure to air pollutants. This topic provides insight into the health effects of New Zealand?s air quality. 11 Pressure What are we trying to ?nd out? What human activities and natural factors affect the condition of New Zeaiand?s freshwater? Topic Contaminant discharges to freshwater Further description and reasons for including Diffuse and point sources and pathways. example, nutrient ieachin g. This isimpoftant to New Zealanders as contaminant discharges are key direct pressures which cause changes in freshwater quality. Abstractions and diversions that affect rivers, lakes, and groundwater Abstractions and diversions are pressures which cause changes in the hydroiogy, and the amount of water available to support economic, recreational and environmental values. - Land cover in freshwater catchments Catchment land cover in?uences the condition of the freshwater envirdpment. Land cover in?uences water ?ows by affecting rainfall runoff, and the rate at which rain soaks into the ground. it also influenceskthe?itypes of material and contaminants that are carried to water bodies by falling rain. L, Land erosion in freshwater catchments Land erosion increases sediment in freshwater. altering freshwater quality, habitats, animals and plant communities- Landscape and form of freshwater catchments The landscape and form of catchments inciudes thejshape of the iand (topography) and geology. Catchment topography strongly in?uences how rain and snow is stored and ?ows overggib?nd. Catchment geology in?uences how fast water flows through the ground, the quantities that are stored in aquifers, whether rivers are recharged or depleted by ground water, and how quickiy it can be pumped from a well or bore- . Climate effects on the freshwater environment lnforrnation will include rainfall, air temperamfeli'and the frequency and scale of extreme events. This is of interest to New Zeaianders as State What is the condition of New Zeaiand?s freshwater environment? Condition and physical characteristics of freshwater habitats extreme events such as droughts or ?oodg?irg?p'act the economy, society and environmental values- Freshwater habitats (for example, rift and wetlands) support plant and animal communities, have aesthetic values, and can regulate pressures such as floods .gyi?dggharges- Presence or abundance of freshwater plants and animals Aquatic plants are relevant tq state or health of the water body and impact on agricultural use), tourism and recreation. Macroinvertebrates are srgailadd'atic animals that are good indicators of the diversity and resitience of rivers- Similarly, ?sh are good indicators of stream healtiatandioonnectivity because of their lifespan and migration patterns. Biological productivity of lakes and rivers Key measures of me?biologicai productivity of lakes or rivers. It is important to know about the overall state of a water body in terms of how much life or can support 2? Chemical properties of river?, lake?, and ground- water Key chemicals-j rquaiity parameters in rivers, lakes, or groundwater. This includes the concentrations of chemicals such as nutrients. This is important as chemical water quality is fundamental to support freshwater life. and other human uses and vaiues of water such as Freshwater clarity. ?ows sediment, quantities, and .. The= physical (non-living) condition of water, such as the amount of sediment it carries, how turbid or ciear it is, and water quantities and are important for the species and habitats within the waterbody. For example, sediment suspended and large ?ows act to abrade ?ush periphyton (slime) from rivers. in rare cases the physical condition can create hazards such as ?oods. Organisms that Concentration of harmful biological contaminants (eg Escherichia coii (E. coli). This is important to New Zealanders as pathogens may have an impact on native and domesticated animals, as wet! as on human health- Impact What are the effects of the condition of the freshwater environment on ecological integrity? disease or ?lness . e? impacts Conservation status of New Zeaiand freshwater species- Indigenous freshwater species are valued as taonga and play a roie in supporting a functioning freshwater ecosystem. 12 What are the effects of the freshwater environment and the change in its condition on the New Zealand economy? Economic impacts related to primary industries Many aspects of New Zealand's economy, including agricultural production and forestry, are dependent on freshwater. Therefore, this is of interest to New Zealanders as changes in our freshwater could impact New Zealand?s economic production. Energy generation and mineral extraction The effect'of the freshwater environment on energy generation and mineral extraction. Hydroelectric generation contributes a significant proportion of New Zealand?s energy needs. . Urban freshwater use The effect of the freshwater environment an urban water use, including drinking water'and industrial use. These aspects of New Zealand?s urban economy depend on access to freshwater. Therefore, this is of interest to?New Zealanders as changes in our freshwater could impact New Zealand?s economic production. impacts on tourism Freshwater impacts New Zealanders? everyday activities and is reported to?be an integral part of the tourism experience. Tourism is an What are the effects of the condition of the freshwater environment public health? on Acute health effects related to freshwater quality important contributor to New Zealand?s economy. The occurrence of health effects that are related water quality. topic provides insight into the health effects of New Zealand's freshwaterquality. What are the effects of the condition of the freshwater environment culture recreation? on and Access to and use of freshwater environments for customary materials and food Access and use of freshwater for customary materials and-food. Maori have traditionally used freshwater resources as part of their cultural identity and there is a need to continue to understand. the impacts on the freshwater environment so Maori can continue to use and engage in the management and maintenance of freshwater resources. Cultural significance of the freshwater environment to Maori This topic recognises the cultural relationship 'Lbetween iviaori and the environment. The environment is integral to Maori identity and culture. it is important to include this topic in, order-to re?ect the M?ori worldview and perspective in environmental reporting, and to ensure that this information is available to informe'nvirdnmental decision making by both Treaty partners. There are methods available to measure this category, for example by usingthe Cultural Health Index (CHI). Maori take a holistic approach to managing and maintaining waterways, which differs from technically ?orientated water resource management practices. As such, iwi need a means to evaluate the health of streams and rivers that eXpresses and accommodates their perspective. Implementing the CHI requires several steps, such as conducting interviews to collect qualitative data for analysis, selecting sites for assessment, and the data entry necessary to calculate CHI scores. Examples of indicators that are used during the field assessment include: . a water quality (Whether the water appears polluted, affected by various invasive life forms, or has an impact on native or exotic water species) a the mattingakai1 plant species seen at the site - access-tome site, area or site of cultural signi?cance (ability to gather mahinga kai) - whe'therfthe person would return to the site in future. The full and processes for development and implementation of the CHI is published on the website. The CHI is currently used at level. The Government Statistician may decide to include these examples as case studies for reporting if the methoddiogy can be proven to be of relevance and meet data quality standards, and data collection can be proven to be cost effective. methodology was developed to be applicable to different waterways and iwiihapu, therefore CHI users and the GS would be l?boking to apply this methodology across other domains, and it may become a nationally representative measure in future. This topic could also include descriptions of the relationship between Meori and specific environmental features or landforms as part of the narrative in the report. This information can be found in lwi Management Plans, reports produced using the CHI or in published academic papers. Recreational; use of the freshwater environment The ability to use freshwater for recreational purposes. This topic provides information on any health risks for recreation (eg swimming), freshwater swimming closures or alerts, and popularity of freshwater activities. New Zealanders, and many tourists, enjoy freshwater contact recreation such as swimming or boating in lakes or rivers. It is important that people can interact with New Zealand's waterbodies without getting sick. 1 Mahinga kai - traditional food and other natural resources and the piaces where those resources are obtained 13 Pressure What are we trying to ?nd out? What human activities and natural factors affect the condition of New Zealand?s land environment? Land use and land use change Further description and reasons for including How New Zealand?s land is being used. Knowing what land is being used for isfunda'mental to understanding the pressures on the land domain. This is of interest to New Zealanders as this has implications for the management of land and the intentions for land use change, as well as understanding how land use is a pressure on land ecosystems, and how ecosystems are changing overtime. Effects of surface and groundwater on the land environment The effect that the water cycle has on the land, including the effect of surface?and groundwater stocks and ?ows. These components of the water cycle in?uence the state of the land environment. It is of interest-to New Zealanders as it in?uences how land can be used. Climate effects on the land environment Climate conditions affect the condition and physical terrain of thetand on which various ecosystems and species depend- This is of interest to New Zealanders as the climate influences the conditions for living bn and ability to use the land. Landscape and physical form The (landforms) that underlies and shapes?the. land domain. Landforms in?uence important aspects of the land domain such as landcover and use- State What is the condition of New Zealand?s land environment? Presence and abundance of indigenous plants and animals lnfonnation about the distribution and extent of indicatorindigenous species. Changes in the extent of indicator species re?ect trends in other widespread indigenous species. Understandingthe status of indigenous species is important to New Zealanders in terms of ecological health and cultural heritage. Ability of ecosystems effectiver terrestrial to function These measures, including the exchange of energy and nutrients between animal and plant communities in an ecosystem, provide an indication of how terrestrial ecosystems are functioning. Measures of ecosystem function provide an indication of the health of our terrestrial ecosystems. including agricultural systems. The occurrence of invasive plants and animals The occurrence of invasive land species in New Zealand. This is important to New Zealanders as invasive species can profoundly interfere with the function of natural and human managed ecosystems and landscapes. Vegetation and other land cover The different forms of vegetation?a'nd other land cover in New Zealand, including indigenous forests. wetlands, production forest, pasture, urban and infrastructure- The extent to which land cover has changed overtime, particulariy in reSpect to indigenous environments, is central to our understandingof the New Zealand environment. Status of, and susceptibility to, erosion New Zealand?s hilly terrain?is? prone to erosion, especially under particular land use regimes. includes both the erosion status of land as well as erosion susceptibility. The erosion .of land is important for several reasons, including its productivity, danger and hazards posed by various erosion events (whether landslide, mass movement, etc), change in soil carbon storage capacity, availability of land for various uses, and effects Upton water quality (eg from sediment loading). Soil health and quality Soil health Cabinet approved Tier 1 statistic. includes the measuresare required to assess soil health in both productivity, Which in turn underpins our economy- physical, biological and chemical condition of soils. Combined, these productive and indigenous land environments. Soil health and fertility in?uences Soil types Mapped data showing the distribution of soil classes nationally. Soil types influence other important aspects of the land domain such as land cover and land resource use. Land contaminated by hazardous substances The number of contaminated sites, including those that are remediated or actively managed. Contaminated site numbers and their degree dfrernediation is an indicator of how much New Zealand?s land is contaminated by hazardous substances. impact What are the effects of the condition of the land environment on ecological integrity? impacts on biodiversity-? The number of known plant and animal species that are acutely threatened, chronically threatened or at risk- includes how much indigenous vegetation remains within land environments and its legal protection status. These measures are a strong indicator of the condition of our indigenous natural heritage. The main factors in?uencing threat status is the abundance of pests and the state and extent of indigenous habitats- They provide a good indication of how well the full extent of our indigenous environments (eg wetiands, lowland forests) are represented throughout New Zealand. What are the effects of the land environment and the change in its condition on the New Economic impacts related to primary industries New Zealand?s food production, the monetary value of food produced on the land and the added value to the economy; includes the added value of timber generation to the economy. This is important as a country should be able to provide food for its people. Food production is aiso an important component of the New Zealand economy and contributes signi?cantly to our exports. Timber generation is an important component of the New Zealand economy and contributes to our exports. Extent of highly productive The extent of highly productive soils available for food production. Versatile soils need to be managed to ensure a variety of land-use 14 Zealand economy? soils available for food options remain for future generations and that the production needs of current generations can be met. production Energy generation and The added value of energy generation and mineral extraction to the economy. This is important as energy generation and mineral mineral extraction extraction are important components of the New Zealand economy. - How the land domain is utilised by the tourism sector and what value is derived from value derived from our natural environment ImpaCts 0 Guns the t0urism sector 15 important to measure as tourism is as srgni?ca nt element of our economy. Chronic health effects, What are the effects resulting from condition of the condition of the and management of land land environment on Acute health effects, public health? resulting from condition and management of land How the condition and management of land impacts food safety. Chemicalsand nutrients may build up in the land and get into the food supply. Also, changes in the land environment can influence the levels of pathogens that our food is exposed to. This is important to the health of the New Zealand public and the economic sector. . Access land environment to Access and ability to use and preserve sites of customary significanCe. Also provides an understanding of how negative forces breakdown provide customary the state of particular sites of significance which can affect Maori?l'dentity and mana (prestige). materials and food This topic recognises the cultural relationship between mean and the environment. The environment is integral to maori identity and culture. It is important to include this topic in order to reflect the M?ori worldview and perspective in environmental reporting, and to ensure that this information is available to inform environmental decision making by both Treaty partners. There are methods available to measure this category, for example by using the cultural_._HeaIth Index (CHI). NIaori take a holistic approach to managing and maintaining waterways, which differs from technically orientated water resource management practices. As such, iwi need a means to evaluate the health of streams and rivers that expresses-and accommodates their perspective. Implementing the CHI requires several steps, such as conducting interviews to collect qualitative data for analysis, selecting sites for assessment, and the data entry necessary to calculate CHI scores. Examples of indicators that are used during the field assessment What are the effects include: gntgeef??nfnneg: tg?: - water quality (whether the-water appears polluted, affected by various invasive life forms, or has an impact on native or exotic water culture and Cultural significance of the species)_ '2 - ?ono land envrronment to Maori - the mahinga specres seen at the snte recrea - access to the site, area or site of cultural significance (ability to gather mahinga kai) - whether the'perso'n would return to the site in future. The full methodology and processes for development and implementation of the CHI is published on the website. The CHI is currently used at a catchment level. The Government Statistician may decide to include these examples as case studies for reporting if the methodologycan be proven to be of relevance and meet data quality standards, and data collection can be proven to be cost effective. The CHI-methodology was developed to be applicable to different waterways and iwiihapu, therefore CHI users and the GS would be looking to apply this methodology across other domains, and it may become a nationally representative measure in future. .This'topic could also include descriptions of the relationship between M?ori and specific environmental features or landforms as part of the narrative in the report. This information can be found in Iwi Management Plans, reports produced using the CHI or in published academic papers. Recreational use The value derived by New Zealanders from the land domain through recreational use. The ability to access and enjoy our natural [and environment .- environment for recreational pursuits is important to the social and cultural wellbeing of New Zealanders. 2 Mahinga kai - traditional food and other natural resources and the places where those resources are obtained 15 Pre SSU re What human activities and natural factors affect the condition of New Zealand?s marine environment? Discharges to the marine environment All discharges to the marine environment from land, freshwater or marine sources. This-is important to New Zealanders as discharges to the marine environment impact the human activities and use that are considered part of our way of life Extraction of mineral and biological marine resources The extraction of physical and biological marine resources. Extractive use of'_'resburces is a key pressure on the marine environment. Marine habitat modi?cation by human activity The pressures from human activities on oceanic and coastal benthic habitats. This is important because habitat loss or degradation is a major pressure on the marine environment and affects the functioning of ecological systems. Climate effects on the marine environment Natural and anthropogenic climate variability and long-term change- This is important because the variability and long-term change of New Zealand?s climate affects the marine domain and impacts the'economy and everyday activities. State What is the condition of New Zealand?s marine environment? Presence and abundance of indigenous plants and animals The geographic variation of marine biodiversity including describing the status of indigenous marine species based on Zealand Threat Classi?cation System assessments. it also covers the state bf ?n?sh stocks in the Quote Management System. There may be more than one stock per species. Knowing the state and trends for marine species and Which areas are more diverse is important for understanding our environment, especially as New Zealand?s marine environment is highly complex. The status of fish stocks provides an indication of the level of exploitation and whether stocks are stable, increasing or declining. This is important because ?sh stocks are a commercial, recreational and customary resource that contributes to New Zealand's economy and way of life. Extent and occurrence of marine habitats The extent and occurrence of marine habitats; Marine habitats have an intrinsic value in addition to playing a critical role in the cycle of marine species, including the deveIOpment?aland adult stages of commercially important species. marine function Ability of ecosystems to effectively The marine environment through the-lens. of ecosystem function, for example by looking at biological production. Some of the measures being considered are used internationally as measures of ecosystem health. This is important because the lower trophic levels of the marine food chain are critical for Sp?eCies that are culturally or commercially important. Presence and abundance of animals at the top of the food chain The numbers, distribution, range and breeding success of apex marine species such as seabirds and marine mammals. This is important because the presen'ce'of top-level species is an indication that their environment is in good health. Many of these species are iconic or endemic to New Zealand. Occurrence of marine organisms invasive Invasive marine organisms'have the potential to alter whole ecosystems. They can also reduce our enjoyment of recreational areas and adversely impact ?shed or harvested species. Quality of coastal and estuarine waters Information on of coastal and estuarine water (including substances that present a health risk) is important because coastal areas are where-people enjoy or relate to the ocean. Water quality of bathing sites is especially important to New Zealanders and has generated a lot of media coverage in the past. Ocean acidity Sea level, temperature, and circulation Changes in physical and chemical properties of the sea can have an effect on species and habitats as well as on some human activities. This isimportant to New Zealanders as, for example ocean acidification could impact shell?sh stocks potentially reducing the economic value'of some ?sheries and recreational or cultural use of the marine environment. Sea level rise is a global issue that could potentially affett coastal infrastructure and property. Impact What are the effects of the condition of the environment marine on ecological integrity? Impacts on biodiversity Threatened species, which are considered at risk of extinction. Includes marine environments, vulnerable ecosystems and sensitive habitats- The term threatened species? (which has three sub?categories: nationally critical, nationally endangered and nationally vulnerable) covers species that could become extinct due past or current changes in abundance or distribution. Some of those species, such as Maurs dolphins, are iconic species and have generated a lot of domestic and intemational interest. Impacts on marine environments provide an overview of how the system as a whole is impacted. Vulnerable ecosystems and sensitive habitats provide an indication or where ecological processes are impaired. 16 What are the effects of the marine environment and the change in its condition on the New Zealand economy? Economic impacts to primary industries related The monetary value of food produced by commercial fisheries and aquaculture and their added value to the economy. Food production is an important dimension of the New Zealand economy, with aquaculture likely to grow in the near future. Energy generation mineral extraction and The added value of mineralsand oil extraction to the economy. This is important as oil and mineral extraction is a major component of the New Zealand economy. - impacts on tourism The added value of marine-based'tourism and recreation to the economy and potentially visitor surveys. Tourism, both international and domestic, and recreation contribute significantly to the New Zealand This is important to New Zealand as most marine-based tourist and recreational activities rely on a good quality marine environment; What are the effects of the condition of the marine environment on public health? Chronic health effects resulting from the condition of the marine environment Acute health effects resulting from the condition of the marine environment Faecai bacteria levels and how the condition of the marine enyirb?nhient impacts food safety. Chemicals and nutrients may build up and get into the food supply. This is important to the health of the,New-Zealand public and the economic sector. What are the effects of the condition of the marine environment on culture and recreation? Access to and use of marine resources to provide and customary materials food Access and ability to use marine resources for customary purposes. Maori have traditionally used marine resources (particularly as kai) as part of their cultural identity and there is a continue to understand the impacts on the marine environment so Maori can continue to engage in the management and maintenance of the marine resource. Cultural significance of the marine environment M?ori to This topic recognises the cultural relationshipb??cween Maori and the environment. The environment is integral to Niaori identity and culture. It is important to include this topic in order to reflect the M?ori worldview and perspective in environmental reporting, and to ensure that this information is available. toinform environmental decision making by both Treaty partners. There are methods available to measure this category, for example by using the Cultural Health Index (CHI). maori take a holistic approach to managing and maintaining waterways, which differs-from technically orientated water resource management practices. As such, iwi need a means to evaluate the health of streams and-rivers that expresses and accommodates their perspective. implementing the CHI requires several steps, such as conducting interviews to collect qualitative data for analysis, selecting sites for assessment, and necessary to calculate CHI scores, Examples of indicators that are used during the field assessment include: a water quality (whether the water appears polluted, affected by various invasive life forms, or has an impact on native or exotic water species) - the?rrjahi'nga kai3 plant species seen at the site - access to the site, area or site of cultural significance (ability to gather mahlnga kai) - whether the person would return to the site in future. The full methodology and processes for development and implementation of the CHI is published on the website. The CHI is currently used at a catchment level. The Government Statistician may decide to include these examples as case studies for reporting if the methodology can be proven to be of relevance and meet data quality standards, and data collection can be proven to be cost effective. The CHI methodology was developed to be applicable to different watenrvays and iwi/hapu, therefore CHI users and the GS ?would be looking to apply this methodology across other domains, and it may become a nationally representative measure in future. This topic could also include descriptions of the relationship between Maori and speci?c environmental features or landforms as part of the narrative in the report. This information can be found in Iwi Management Plans, reports produced using the CHI or in published academic papers. Recreational use of the marine environment The recreational use of the marine environment. This is important, as the enjoyment of marine resource is an integral part of many New Zealanders' lifestyle. 3 Mahinga kai - traditional food and other natural resources and the places where those resources are obtained 17