Stronger Law.Better Future.

EDS combines staunch advocacy with relationship building to deliver lasting environmental protection.

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We do three things to achieve improved environmental outcomes.

Our policy team researches, develops and advocates for environmental solutions.

Our litigation enforces and strengthens the law, ensuring an environmental voice is heard in the courts.

Our events bring people together to share knowledge and build momentum.

What we do

Media releases

9 October 2026

Stop dithering: Government must back Tairāwhiti before the next cyclone

EDS is calling on Forestry Minister Todd McClay to commit Government funding and urgent action to unlock the transition of the region’s most vulnerable forestry land.
EDS is calling on Forestry Minister Todd McClay to commit Government funding and urgent action to unlock the transition of the region’s most vulnerable forestry land.
1 October 2026

An open letter to Leaders: three key asks for nature and climate

Read EDS’s open letter directed to leaders of the National, Labour, Greens, NZ First, ACT, Te Pati Māori and Opportunity parties.
Read EDS’s open letter directed to leaders of the National, Labour, Greens, NZ First, ACT, Te Pati Māori and Opportunity parties.
1 October 2026

EDS News October 2026

Read the latest updates from EDS in our October Newsletter.
Read the latest updates from EDS in our October Newsletter.
23 September 2026

Resource management bills pass third reading and will become very bad law

These Bills are deeply deficient for the environment.
These Bills are deeply deficient for the environment.
22 September 2026

Tarakihi decision puts industry ahead of national interest

Minister puts fishing interests ahead of tarakihi recovery.
Minister puts fishing interests ahead of tarakihi recovery.
14 September 2026

Political highlights from the Climate Change and Business Conference

Last week, political leaders outlined contrasting approaches to climate policy at the 18th Climate Change and Business Conference in Auckland. The conference was jointly hosted by EDS, the Sustainable Business Council and the Climate Leaders Coalition.
Last week, political leaders outlined contrasting approaches to climate policy at the 18th Climate Change and Business Conference in Auckland. The conference was jointly hosted by EDS, the Sustainable Business Council and the Climate Leaders Coalition.

Featured content

Conference

Climate Change & Business Conference 2027

9-10 September 2027
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Conference

EDS 2027 Annual Environmental Conference

2-3 June 2027
Te Pae, Ōtautahi Christchurch

EDS in the news

24 September 2026

Fast-track’s ad hoc pipeline for 60,000 dwellings is no way to plan Auckland’s growth – Gary Taylor

Auckland needs more homes. But it does not need them anywhere, at any cost, or through an ad hoc process that sidelines the region’s carefully developed spatial plan.
Auckland needs more homes. But it does not need them anywhere, at any cost, or through an ad hoc process that sidelines the region’s carefully developed spatial plan.
23 September 2026

Environmental impact of Central Otago gold mine fast-track bid ‘really concerning’ for locals

EDS does not think that Santana’s Bendigo gold mine meets the legal test for approval. It should be declined.
EDS does not think that Santana’s Bendigo gold mine meets the legal test for approval. It should be declined.
22 September 2026

Tarakihi catch limits reduce to 10 per person nationwide

EDS called for a complete closure of the fishery given its perilous state. But the minister's decision doesn't even mention closure as an option.
EDS called for a complete closure of the fishery given its perilous state. But the minister's decision doesn't even mention closure as an option.
17 September 2026

RMA reform set to scrap hard-won marine protection

The Government is removing marine protections that have been in place for years.
The Government is removing marine protections that have been in place for years.
14 September 2026

City coun­cil­lor fears for Hamilton’s gul­lies

Cumulative government and planning reforms risk undermining vital ecological protections across Hamilton.
Cumulative government and planning reforms risk undermining vital ecological protections across Hamilton.
13 September 2026

Fast-tracking solar in the Mackenzie Country is a mistake

We should move quickly on renewable energy, but speed is no substitute for judgment.
We should move quickly on renewable energy, but speed is no substitute for judgment.

Featured content

EDS Report

EDS Investigates: Freshwater ambushed

EDS exposes systemic issues with how environmental legislation is being shaped.
Donate

Donate to EDS's case on the Bendigo Gold Mine

EDS is seeking funding support to enable independent expert scrutiny of the proposed Bendigo-Ophir Gold Mine, currently progressing through fast-track.

Law and policy submissions

4 September 2026

Submission in support of Live Ocean’s petition to end bottom trawling

EDS supports call for a phased end to bottom trawling as a commercial fishing method.

EDS supports call for a phased end to bottom trawling as a commercial fishing method.

3 September 2026

Introduction of Proposed Local Rock Lobster Management Measures for Aotea Great Barrier Island

EDS backs stronger protections at Aotea Great Barrier Island to safeguard rock lobster populations.

EDS backs stronger protections at Aotea Great Barrier Island to safeguard rock lobster populations.

20 August 2026

Submission on the Environmental Reporting Amendment Bill

The Bill contains some useful improvements, but there are a few missing requirements such as who has accountability for reported environmental declines.

The Bill contains some useful improvements, but there are a few missing requirements such as who has accountability for reported environmental declines.

24 August 2026

Feedback on Draft National Conservation Policy Statement

EDS supports conservation reform but says the draft NCPS needs more work.

EDS supports conservation reform but says the draft NCPS needs more work.

22 July 2026

Submission on review of sustainability measures for tarakihi 2026/27

Given the severely depleted state of tarakihi, and the further reduction in productivity expected from ocean warming, EDS is calling for a complete closure of the fishery until the stocks recover.

Given the severely depleted state of tarakihi, and the further reduction in productivity expected from ocean warming, EDS is calling for a complete closure of the fishery until the stocks recover.

13 July 2026

Submission on the Conservation Amendment Bill

EDS welcomes the Government's decision to abandon the controversial conservation land exchange and disposal provisions, while warning that several significant issues remain unresolved.

EDS welcomes the Government's decision to abandon the controversial conservation land exchange and disposal provisions, while warning that several significant issues remain unresolved.

Aotearoa New Zealand is at a crucial time with biodiversity and climate in crisis. Help us lead it in the right direction.