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People of New Zealand enjoy a very good environmental quality of life, with low air pollution and easy access to nature. The natural environment is a key economic asset. The country’s land, freshwater and seas provide the basis for internationally competitive agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors. Despite its remoteness, millions of tourists visit the country every year, attracted by its pristine wilderness and spectacular landscapes.
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This report reviews New Zealand’s environmental performance since the second review in 2007. Progress in achieving domestic objectives and international commitments provides the basis for assessing the country’s environmental performance. Such objectives and commitments may be broad aims, qualitative goals or quantitative targets. A distinction is made between intentions, actions and results. Assessment of environmental performance is also placed within the context of New Zealand’s historical environmental record, present state of the environment, physical endowment in natural resources, economic conditions and demographic trends.
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New Zealand is one of the most dynamic economies in the OECD and has built an international reputation as a “green” country. It fares well in terms of environmental quality of life; the country’s population enjoy easy access to pristine wilderness and good air quality. However, New Zealand’s growth model, largely based on exporting primary products, has started to show its environmental limits, with increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, diffuse freshwater pollution and threats to biodiversity.
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The Assessment and recommendations present the main findings of the Environmental Performance Review of New Zealand and identify 50 recommendations to help New Zealand make further progress towards its environmental policy objectives and international commitments. The OECD Working Party on Environmental Performance reviewed and approved the Assessment and recommendations at its meeting on 9 November 2016. Actions taken to implement selected recommendations from the 2007 OECD Environmental Performance Review are summarised in the Annex.
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