State of the Environment Reporting

Effective environmental management relies on having good information on environmental values and how they change over time. Coast and Catchment are regularly commissioned to report on the values and state of coastal environments. We have produced four State of the Hauraki Gulf reports for the Hauraki Gulf Forum. The 2011 report broke new ground for environmental reporting in New Zealand. It describes the incredible transformation that the Gulf has undergone in two human life spans, and provided a much clearer picture of the environmental condition of the Gulf than was previously available. Subsequent reports in 2014, 2017 and 2020 expanded on that picture by providing insights on recent changes and their causes.

These reports generated considerable public, political and media interest, and have been key drivers of initiatives aimed at improve environmental outcomes. Coast and Catchment assisted the Hauraki Gulf Forum by disseminating information through public meetings and seminars, participating in media interviews, and providing follow-up advice and recommendations.

Other “state and values” reports we have prepared have covered Manukau and Whangateau Harbours, and Whau, Tāmaki, Taumarere and Waikare Inlets. These have supported environmental initiatives, stormwater planning, and hapū in Waitangi Tribunal hearings.