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Reports on sustainable development in New Zealand

As part of its preparation for the World Summit, New Zealand compiled a review of the progress implementing sustainable development as outlined in the 1992 Agenda 21. The report, Towards Sustainable Development in New Zealand, was submitted to the Commission on Sustainable Development. Another report, The Government’s Approach To Sustainable Development, outlines the Government's present approach to sustainable development and illustrates this by describing a wide range of activities across the government sector.

Monitoring Progress Towards a Sustainable New Zealand is a new, experimental report that provides a selection of information to help assess New Zealand’s progress towards sustainable development. It was published by Statistics New Zealand in August 2002.

In August 2002 the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Morgan Williams, published a report on sustainable development. Creating our Future: sustainable development for New Zealand is a review of the progress of sustainable development in New Zealand, with particular reference to environmental management performance since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The report highlights the opportunities and challenges for the future in maintaining a healthy environment, social well-being and a strong economy. The findings and recommendations can be found on the Parliamentary Commissioner’s website.

The Government’s Growth and Innovation Framework is designed to deliver the long-term sustainable growth necessary to improve the quality of life of all New Zealanders. The Growth and Innovation Advisory Board provides independent advice to the Government on its growth and innovation programme. In 2003 the Board commissioned research that provides information about the goals and values that are important to New Zealanders. The clear priorities were quality of life, quality of the environment, quality of education and quality of health services.

Last updated: 28 October 2008