About EDS

The Environmental Defence Society is a not-for-profit environmental advocacy organisation, comprised of resource management professionals who are committed to improving environmental outcomes within New Zealand.

EDS was established in 1971 by a group of law students and scientists. The idea behind EDS was to bring together the disciplines of science, law and planning to advocate for the environment. Since its inception, EDS has had a long and largely successful history of litigating environmentally significant cases.

More recently EDS has become increasingly involved in providing support and capacity building for individuals, community organisations and councils; in undertaking research and policy analysis on key environmental issues; and in profiling key issues through seminars and conferences.

In its research and policy work EDS seeks to build constructive partnerships and relationships with business, government and other groups across civil society.