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

Our areas of work

Climate
Biodiversity
Oceans
Freshwater
Land

Media releases

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9 February 2026

Media release: EDS draft submission on RM replacement bills calls for significant changes

EDS has released its draft submission on the two Resource Management Act replacement Bills ahead of the closing date (which is this Friday).
Read the full release
EDS has released its draft submission on the two Resource Management Act replacement Bills ahead of the closing date (which is this Friday).
8 February 2026

Taranaki VTM decision shows the Fast-track Act can, surprisingly, work

The fear has been that the Fast-track Approvals Act would approve every application regardless of its environmental impacts.
Read the full release
The fear has been that the Fast-track Approvals Act would approve every application regardless of its environmental impacts.
4 February 2026

EDS News February 2026

Read the latest from EDS in our February newsletter.
Read the full release
Read the latest from EDS in our February newsletter.
19 December 2025

Rock lobster decision one step closer in moving from reef collapse to reef recovery

Today’s decision is a vital further move in restoring severely degraded reef ecosystems.
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Today’s decision is a vital further move in restoring severely degraded reef ecosystems.
17 December 2025

End of year good news: South Island Marine Reserves get the go ahead

Five new marine reserves are coming to the South Island in 2026. Momentum is building on these types of important protections.
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Five new marine reserves are coming to the South Island in 2026. Momentum is building on these types of important protections.
11 December 2025

Stewardship land reclassification leaves high-value ecological areas without top-tier protection

Lack of National Park recommendations are disappointing in Minister's stewardship land decisions.
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Lack of National Park recommendations are disappointing in Minister's stewardship land decisions.
10 December 2025

Government backs down on fast-track amendments

The Government is no longer pursuing several terrible proposed amendments to the Fast-track Approvals Act.
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The Government is no longer pursuing several terrible proposed amendments to the Fast-track Approvals Act.

Featured content

Webinar

RMA Replacement Laws: Webinar 2

Wednesday 28 January 2026
Online
Watch the recording
Conference

Beyond the election: A new mandate for the environment

24-25 June 2026
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Find out more

EDS in the news

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11 December 2025

‘Entire system more permissive’: How to fix the RMA fixes

Regulatory relief is the most concerning aspect of new RMA replacement Bills - it's likely to chill public interest regulation.
Read the full story
Regulatory relief is the most concerning aspect of new RMA replacement Bills - it's likely to chill public interest regulation.
11 December 2025

Even with the RMA gone, the fast-track survives

Government Policy Statements are an opportunity for ministerial influence in fast-track decisions and should not proceed.
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Government Policy Statements are an opportunity for ministerial influence in fast-track decisions and should not proceed.
11 December 2025

RMA overhaul puts private property rights first

The environment limits framework of the new RMA replacement Bills is full of holes.
Read the full story
The environment limits framework of the new RMA replacement Bills is full of holes.
11 December 2025

Government bins RMA, promises new planning laws will slash consents, add $3b a year to economy

New RMA replacement Bills likely to result in regulatory retreat from some very important environmental safeguards.
Read the full story
New RMA replacement Bills likely to result in regulatory retreat from some very important environmental safeguards.
11 December 2025

RMA changes: transformational or concerning?

Listen to our Reform Director talk about the new RMA replacement Bills
Read the full story
Listen to our Reform Director talk about the new RMA replacement Bills
11 December 2025

Coalition reveals Resource Management Act replacement, but will it stand the test of time?

The idea that Council's will have to pay landowners for genuine public interest regulation is bizarre.
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The idea that Council's will have to pay landowners for genuine public interest regulation is bizarre.

Featured content

EDS Report

Replacing the Resource Management Act: Risks and solutions

The government’s Phase 3 resource management reforms (replacing the RMA with a Planning Act and a Natural Environment Act) pose some significant risks to the environment, but also some potential opportunities if done well.
Read now
EDS Report

Pathway to Oceans Reform: EDS Oceans Reform Final Report

Our oceans management system is not fit for purpose and this report sets out practical steps to achieve oceans reform.
Read now

Law and policy submissions

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9 February 2026

Draft submission on the two Resource Management Act replacement Bills

EDS has released its draft submission on the two Resource Management Act replacement Bills.
Read the full submission

EDS has released its draft submission on the two Resource Management Act replacement Bills.

12 December 2025

Submission on further measures to reduce fisheries by catch of hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin

Further measures required to better protect hoiho from fisheries bycatch.
Read the full submission

Further measures required to better protect hoiho from fisheries bycatch.

26 November 2025

Submission on proposed amendment to New Zealand’s Second Emissions Reduction Plan (2026 to 2030)

The proposed amended ERP now misses the 2030 biogenic methane target, rendering the ERP inadequate.
Read the full submission

The proposed amended ERP now misses the 2030 biogenic methane target, rendering the ERP inadequate.

11 November 2025

Submission on the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill

From every angle - environmental, democratic, and constitutional - this Bill makes a shocking law even worse.
Read the full submission

From every angle - environmental, democratic, and constitutional - this Bill makes a shocking law even worse.

4 November 2025

Submission on Kaikōura / Te Tai o Marokura Marine Management Review

EDS proposes changes to the current management approach for the Kaikōura marine environment.
Read the full submission

EDS proposes changes to the current management approach for the Kaikōura marine environment.

18 September 2025

Review of rock lobster fishery management measures for urchin barrens in northeastern New Zealand

EDS’s submission on proposed management measures for the Northland (CRA 1) and Hauraki/Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) rock lobster fisheries which include closure options and changes to recreational daily limits.
Read the full submission

EDS’s submission on proposed management measures for the Northland (CRA 1) and Hauraki/Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) rock lobster fisheries which include closure options and changes to recreational daily limits.

17 September 2025

Draft fisheries plans and proposed management targets for the Hauraki Gulf/Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) and Wellington/Wairarapa (CRA 4) rock lobster fisheries

EDS's submission on proposed draft fisheries plans for the Hauraki Gulf/Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) and Wellington/Wairarapa (CRA 4) rock lobster fisheries to manage these stocks at higher levels of abundance.
Read the full submission

EDS's submission on proposed draft fisheries plans for the Hauraki Gulf/Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) and Wellington/Wairarapa (CRA 4) rock lobster fisheries to manage these stocks at higher levels of abundance.

1 January 1970

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