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19 March, 2012

Better local government reforms announced

The ‘Better Local Government’ reforms announced today by Prime Minister John Key will provide clarity around the role of councils, stronger governance, improved efficiency and more responsible financial management said Local Government Minister Nick Smith.

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14 March, 2012

Tyre recycling initiative announced

Government will provide funding of $133,000 to the Product Stewardship Foundation to explore recycling options for used tyres, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.

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13 March, 2012

Australia-NZ joint e-waste standard draft welcomed

The release of a draft joint Australia-New Zealand Standard for processing electrical and electronic waste, like old televisions, computers and whiteware was welcomed today by Environment Minister Nick Smith.

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8 March, 2012

Rio+20: The Future We Want

Good morning. Thank you to the organisers of today’s seminar for providing this opportunity for everyone involved in contributing to the Zero Draft Document for Rio+20 to get together and share ideas and information on these matters which are so critical to our future.

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8 March, 2012

Oceans and Greening Growth NZ Rio+20 Priority

New Zealand’s priority at the United Nations Rio+20 Summit in June will be on improving environmental management of oceans and opportunities from greening growth, Environment Minister Nick Smith said when opening the United Nations Association New Zealand Conference in Wellington today.

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3 March, 2012

Building a Bluegreen Future launched at Forum

National today launched Building a Bluegreen Future, an environment policy paper reporting on the progress of the National-led Government over the past three years and setting out the next steps to be taken in this term.

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3 March, 2012

Further steps to improve NZ’s fresh water

The Prime Minister's announcement of nearly $8 million in funding for cleaning up polluted water bodies underscores the Government’s progress in collaborative freshwater management, Environment Minister Nick Smith said today.

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3 March, 2012

Green Growth Report released

The report of the Green Growth Advisory Group was released today at the annual Bluegreens Forum at Lake Pupuke, North Shore, with 26 recommendations for the Government to consider.

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17 February, 2012

Environmental champions sought

Environment Minister Nick Smith today called for nominations for the 2012 Green Ribbon Awards which recognise the achievements of New Zealanders who are dedicated to protecting and improving our environment.

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27 January, 2012

Crown Observer to assist ChCh City Council

Local Government Minister Nick Smith and the Christchurch City Council have met today and agreed to the appointment of a Crown Observer to assist the Council.

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26 January, 2012

Environmental Recovery plan for Rena launched

Environment Minister Nick Smith today launched the environmental recovery plan, to address the long term effects of the Rena disaster on the wider Bay of Plenty region.

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23 January, 2012

Funding for red zone household hazardous waste disposal

The Government will provide $509,000 from the Waste Minimisation Fund to help residents in Canterbury’s red zone to dispose of their hazardous household waste safely, Environment Minister Hon Dr Nick Smith announced today.

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22 December, 2011

Industrial gas units banned from New Zealand’s ETS

Climate Change Minister Nick Smith today announced the Government is banning some international emissions units from New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

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