Better protecting our oceans

New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is an important part of our environment and needs protecting. That's why we're introducing new laws to manage the environmental effects of offshore activities such as petroleum exploration and mining.

This area of ocean, 20 times bigger than New Zealand's land area, offers significant economic opportunities. But robust laws must be in place to protect the environment.

National will introduce new legislation to make the Environmental Protection Authority responsible for monitoring activities and enforcement. All consents will require public consultation and an environmental impact assessment. Most of all the new law will put responsibility on consent holders to avoid, or remedy, adverse environmental effects of any activity in the EEZ and the Extended Continental Shelf.

This is part of National’s plan to grow the economy while protecting the environment.

For more information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36166