Your digest of Environmental Protection Authority news and events No images? Click here May 2022 Can you believe we are nearly halfway through the year? This edition of Te Pūtara highlights what's been happening at the Environmental Protection Authority, from chemical approvals to decisions. We also look at Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao: Open Waters Aotearoa, our eDNA programme. Sign up for one of our webinars. We're always keen for your feedback, including any requests for content for the next edition of Te Pūtara. Please email info@epa.govt.nz. Glyphosate: Responses to the call for information releasedWe have published a summary of the 465 responses we received from members of the public, professional users and glyphosate suppliers on the call for information on glyphosate. This call for information ran from April 2021 until October 2021. It was the first step in understanding how glyphosate is currently used in Aotearoa New Zealand. New homes for HobsonvilleAn independent panel has approved the development of 425 housing units at Hobsonville, west of Auckland. Log fumigant approvedWe have approved an application for a new gas to fumigate export logs and timber. Onions, potatoes and tomatoesA new fungicide, Xivana, has been approved to protect vegetable crops. Its use is restricted. Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao: Open Waters AotearoaGet involved in our eDNA programme. Community groups get eDNA testing kits in time for autumnIn late April, we sent 118 eDNA kits to participants who had applied for testing kits earlier this year. We ran an introductory webinar on eDNA testing and Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao for the participants. We've made it available to everyone. Use the passcode: eDNA2022 to access. eDNA projects: submit your project proposalWe are offering more eDNA discovery opportunities to community groups, schools, iwi, hapū and kura, If you’ve already taken an eDNA test and want to learn more about what’s happening in your waterway ecosystem, we can help you develop your own eDNA project. Get in touch with us at eDNA@epa.govt.nz to discuss your project and receive resources to help you shape your proposal. Proposals are due by 30 June 2022. Use the passcode: eDNA2022 to access the webinar. Upcoming webinarsThis year, we are running monthly webinars on topics relevant to the programme and eDNA interest topics. |