Te Pūtara - November 2018

November 2018

All wrapped up...

Christmas is just around the corner and our final issue of the year is jam packed full of good stuff! From fly sprays to chemical reassessments, samurai wasps to millennials, our annual report to methyl bromide and so much more - it's all here in the November issue of Te Pūtara.

Safer homes, safer communities

Our Safer Homes programme focuses on helping kiwi families stay safe at home when using or coming into contact with hazardous substances.

Enter the Samurai

The samurai wasp, an organism new to New Zealand, can now be used to fight any invasion by the brown marmorated stink bug.

Moe mai ra e te pāpā, Lennie Johns

We are sad to note the passing of Ngā Kaihautū Tikanga Taiao member Lennie (Henare) Johns in August, 2018.

Henare was a strong advocate for kaitiakitanga and Te Reo Māori. He worked on joint environmental committees comprising industry, local government, government departments, and Māori land entities, to sustainably manage water ways to enhance water quality and recreational use.

EPA simplifies novelty fireworks process

As of 1 October 2018, novelty fireworks like Christmas crackers, caps for cap guns and party poppers no longer need explosives import certificates.

Chemical reassessments programme ramps up

We are ramping up our reassessments programme and taking action on some chemicals to ensure risks to people and the environment continue to be managed effectively.

Hazardous substances compliance system to be independently evaluated

The chemical management compliance system designed to protect New Zealand and New Zealanders from environmental risks and disasters is being independently evaluated to improve its effectiveness.

The compliance system needs refining to ensure risky environmental practices and systems can be managed effectively and promptly.

The young ones

We’ve established a millennials group to provide us with their perspectives on the big issues facing New Zealand and gauge their thoughts on the ways in which the future of environmental management can remain in safe hands.

The value of working with Māori

We have created a short video to introduce New Zealand and international businesses to concepts that will help them engage with Māori, before applying to us for an environmental approval.

Fly sprays and animal treatments come under EPA microscope

We are investigating products containing synthetic pyrethroids as part of our revamped reassessments programme which we announced in mid-October.

Synthetic pyrethroids are insecticides found in some fly sprays, insect repellents, automatic dispensers, bed bug treatments, and animal flea collars and treatments.

New NKTT members

We are pleased to introduce Mahanga Maru and Rick Witana as the new members of Nga Kaihautū Tikanga Taiao, the EPA’s statutory Māori Advisory Committee.

Moths to combat horehound

Two moths may now be imported into New Zealand to combat invasive horehound - the the horehound plume moth and horehound clearwing moth.

2018 Annual Report

Our 2017/18 Annual Report covers a wide range of activities including New Zealand's chemical management system, Caution Notices, our Safer Homes programme, workshops for importers, the TTRL decision, our investigation into fire-fighting foams and more.

TTRL appeal decision

In August, the High Court decision on the appeals against the granting of marine consents to Trans-Tasman Resources Limited (TTRL) was released.

Updated systems will keep New Zealanders safe

This year, our Annual Report puts a strong emphasis on our role as a pro-active regulator.

Second grounds for reassessment on methyl bromide declined

This latest decision does not invalidate the grounds for reassessment established earlier this year as a consequence of an application, made by the Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction Inc (STIMBR), based on the volume of methyl bromide being used and imported into New Zealand.

Hazardous Substances Update

Read the latest application decisions and news from the hazardous substances team.

Careers at the EPA

People work here for the benefit of all New Zealanders and the environment. We think it's the best reason to come to work every day. Do you?

Te Pūtara Bulletin

All wrapped up...

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