About
In partnership with the Southland Community, Environment Southland is the statutory body responsible for managing our natural and physical resources of air, land, water and coast. As Southlanders, we owe it to future generations to ensure they continue to enjoy the same environmental standards that we presently value.
Most human activities have an impact on our natural and physical resources. We all have a part to play in making sure that the resources we depend on for our industries, jobs, recreation and quality of life are not over-used.
Your locally elected councillors represent you to ensure that local needs are met by making decisions and setting the direction for the
sustainable use of resources.
Environment Southland is responsible for managing the entire Southland region, which covers over three million hectares from Awarua Point on the West Coast to Waiparau Head on the fringe of the East Coast and includes Stewart Island.
Check out the boundaries of Councillors' constituencies and find out more about each of your elected members.
Our work includes:
- environmental regulation, education, consultation and co-ordination
- managing water quality, river control and coastal activities
- controlling possums and other pests
- preparing for civil defence emergencies
Our mission
Leading and involving the Southland community in managing our natural resources of air, water, land and coast in order to protect and enhance the lifestyle and well-being of current and future generations.
How do we achieve a balance in the environment?
We do this in many ways, through environmental standards, communication, education, and consultation. Our aim is to achieve the right balance for Southland's environment in the most reasonable way possible. Your help through consultation and constructive feedback is the most simple and effective way to achieve the region's environmental goals.
Relevant legislation
The following laws give Environment Southland the ability to carry out its diverse functions of managing the air, land, water and coastal environments.
- Biosecurity Act 1993
- Civil Defence Act 1983
- Companies Act 1955
- Finance Acts (various)
- Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
- Land Drainage Act 1908
- Local Authorities Loans Act 1956
- Local Government Act 2002
- Port Companies Act 1988
- Resource Management Act 1991
- Transit New Zealand Act 1989
- Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941
- Transport Services Licensing Act 1989
- Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
- Marine Pollution Act 1974
- Maritime Transport Act 1994
- Local Government Rating Act 2002
- Local Electoral Act 2001 (Bylaws include no.s 1, 2 and 3 with an amendment to 1)
Find out more about the plans and policies that govern our region.
You can also check out information on these and other statutes at Government New Zealand's online Legislation NZ
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.