Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment
From ClimateWiki
As an independent Officer of Parliament, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has wide-ranging powers to investigate environmental concerns.
'Independent' means independent of the government of the day, so the the Commissioner reports not to a Government Minister but to Parliament through:
the Speaker of the House
the Officers of Parliament Committee
The Commissioner is quite separate from the Ministry for the Environment. The Ministry is a government department and policy adviser, responsible to the Minister for the Environment.
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Mission and Values
Mission: To maintain or improve the quality of the environment by providing robust independent advice that influences decisions
Values:
Excellence - The questions raised and the solutions proposed are based on sound science and reasoned argument. It is accountable to the people of New Zealand and delivers value for the funding it receives.
Determination - Questions the status quo. Persist in communicating the results of our work in different ways to maximize usefulness.
Generosity of spirit - Work together in an open collegial way, sharing expertise, listening carefully and not rushing to judgment. Actively acknowledge decisions and actions that benefit the environment.
Innovation- Its independence empowers it to think freely and creatively. Strives to get beyond describing problems to proposing solutions.
Effectiveness - Others trust and respond to its advice. Work has a lasting and tangible impact on the New Zealand environment.
Functions
Review the system of agencies and processes set up by the Government to manage the country's resources, and report to the House of Representatives
Investigate the effectiveness of environmental planning and management by public authorities, and advise them on remedial action
Investigate any matter where the environment may be or has been adversely affected, advise on preventative measures or remedial action, and report to the House
Report, on a request from the House or any select committee, on any petition, Bill, or any other matter which may have a significant effect on the environment
Inquire, on the direction of the House, into any matter that has had or may have a substantial and damaging effect on the environment
Undertake and encourage the collection and dissemination of information about the environment
Encourage preventive measures and remedial actions to protect the environment.
Powers
Obtaining information
Summoning people and examining them under oath
Protecting sources of information and maintaining confidentiality
Employing staff and consultants.
Website
