Vote Environment - Environment Sector - Estimates 2017/18

Overview of the Vote#

The Minister for the Environment is responsible for appropriations in Vote Environment 2017/18, which cover:

• a total of nearly $20 million to provide advice and implement tools for water management

• a total of nearly $23 million in funding and grants to third parties for water initiatives
• a total of just over $23 million to provide advice and implement tools to improve environmental management

• a total of nearly $2 million for the Ministry for the Environment to negotiate and implement fair, durable and fit for purpose deeds of settlement and environmental accords
• a total of just over $4 million in funding for Iwi to engage in the co-management arrangements

• a total of just over $3 million to manage environmental obligations and programmes
• a total of just over $6 million for grants to third parties for domestic environmental management and education programmes, and contributions to international institutions

• a total of nearly $23 million to provide advice to mitigate environmental hazards and waste, for a waste minimisation fund and its administration, and for impairment of debt relating to environmental activities

• a total of nearly $6 million for services provided by third parties for the investigation, management and remediation services relating to contaminated sites

• a total of $18 million in payments to territorial local authorities from the Waste Disposal Levy 

• a total of nearly $19 million in funding provided to the Environmental Protection Authority including $4 million of additional funding for Exclusive Economic Zone activities
• a total of just over $2 million for Ministerial Servicing, and
• a total of nearly $10 million for capital expenditure.

The Minister for Climate Change Issues is responsible for appropriations in Vote Environment for 2017/18, which cover:

• a total of nearly $13 million for policy advice in relation to the domestic and international climate change programmes, contributions to international programmes and the administration of a national carbon analysis system
• a total of nearly $681 million for the allocation of New Zealand emission units to the economy, and
• a total of nearly $19 million for administering the Emissions Trading Scheme including the impairment of debt.

Details of these appropriations are set out in Parts 2-4.

Details of Appropriations and Capital Injections#

Annual and Permanent Appropriations#

Multi-Year Appropriations#

Total Annual and Permanent Appropriations and Multi-Year Appropriation Forecasts#

Capital Injection Authorisations#

Supporting Information#

Part 1 - Vote as a Whole#

1.1 - New Policy Initiatives

1.2 - Trends in the Vote#

Summary of Financial Activity#

Note - where restructuring of the vote has occurred then, to the extent practicable, prior years information has been restated as if the restructuring had occurred before the beginning of the period covered. In this instance Total Appropriations for the Budgeted and Estimated Actual year may not equal Total Appropriations in the Details of Appropriations and Capital Injections.

Adjustments to the Summary of Financial Activity Table Due to Vote Restructuring#

There have been no restructuring adjustments to prior year information in the Summary of Financial Activity table.

1.3 - Analysis of Significant Trends#

1.3 - Analysis of Significant Trends

Source: Ministry for the Environment

The actual and budgeted output expenses from 2014/15 onwards reflect an increase in funding for resource management and water management reforms.

The variability in Other Expenses relates to the Allocation of New Zealand Units appropriation and reflects the changes in the volume of units allocated and the forecast price of units.

• For appropriation purposes, the upper limit of the appropriation increased from $12.50 per unit to $25 per unit from 2016/17 to accommodate the uncertainty in the market price of New Zealand units. The estimated actual is based on the current market price per carbon unit at the time of the forecast.
• The changes in forecast volume of units to be allocated is a result of continuous improvement to the model, assumptions, and activity data for various sectors based on the latest information available at the time of the forecast.

Part 2 - Details of Departmental Appropriations#

2.1 - Departmental Output Expenses#

Ministerial Services (M29)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the provision of support to Ministers, especially in relation to their accountability to Parliament and the public.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry for the Environment in its Annual Report.

Waste Minimisation Administration (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses and Revenue#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the effective and efficient administration of the functions required under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry for the Environment in its Annual Report.

2.3 - Departmental Capital Expenditure and Capital Injections#

Ministry for the Environment - Capital Expenditure PLA (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation

Capital Expenditure

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the renewal, upgrade and/or redesign of assets in support of the delivery of the Ministry for the Environment's service.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for departmental capital expenditure will be reported by the Ministry for the Environment in its Annual Report.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation for 2017/18 is largely related to the Ministry's involvement as lead agency for Charles Fergusson Tower as part of the Wellington Office Accommodation Project (2). The capital expenditure relates to the fit-out of that building.

Capital Injections and Movements in Departmental Net Assets

Ministry for the Environment

Part 3 - Details of Non-Departmental Appropriations#

3.1 - Non-Departmental Output Expenses#

Administration of New Zealand Units held on Trust (M12)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the fair and accurate distribution of emission units to beneficiaries following treaty settlements.

End of Year Performance Reporting

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental output expense is less than $5 million.

Community Environment Fund (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve support for collaborative partnerships that raise environmental awareness and encourage community participation in environmental initiatives.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental output expense is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The increase in this appropriation for 2017/18 is mainly due an expense transfer of $650,000 from 2016/17 for projects that support the implementation of the freshwater and resource management reforms, and other initiatives. This is primarily due to delays in funding decisions (including deed negotiations) and project planning which began later in 2016/17 than expected.

Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended achieve a reduction in the risks from contaminated sites.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister for the Environment in a report appended to the Ministry for the Environment's Annual Report.

Service Providers#

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The decrease in this appropriation for 2017/18 is mainly due the remediation work for the Kopeopeo Canal and the Calwell Slipway projects finishing in 2017/18. Funding of $2.130 million from 2016/17 and $1.022 million from 2018/19 and 2019/20 has been transferred to 2017/18 to continue the remediation work of these projects.

Contestable Waste Minimisation Fund (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve a decrease in waste disposal by funding projects that promote or achieve waste minimisation.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister for the Environment in a report appended to the Ministry for the Environment's Annual Report.

Service Providers#

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The increase in this appropriation for 2017/18 relates to spending profile on already agreed projects and funding rounds.

Emissions Trading Scheme (M12)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the efficient and effective administration of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme and the operation of the New Zealand Emission Unit Register to ensure that the allocation and trading of emission units are recorded accurately and in a timely manner.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Environmental Protection Authority in its Annual Report.

Environmental Protection Authority: Decision Making functions (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve robust and objective environmental decisions for which the Environmental Protection Authority is responsible, and transparent and efficient decision making.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Environmental Protection Authority in its Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The decrease in this appropriation for 2017/18 reflects the change in the level of funding allocated for 2017/18 compared with the previous year. In 2016/17, there was a one-off transfer of $982,000 from the Environmental Protection Authority: Monitoring and Enforcement functions to align the output classes with the Environmental Protection Authority's Statement of Performance Expectations for the 2016/17 financial year.

Environmental Protection Authority: Monitoring and Enforcement functions (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended achieve compliance with environmental rules through monitoring and guiding compliance activity to ensure the effective operation of the regulatory framework.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by Environmental Protection Authority in its Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The increase in this appropriation for 2017/18 reflects the change in the level of funding allocated for 2017/18 compared with the previous year. In 2016/17, there was a one-off transfer of $982,000 to the Environmental Protection Authority: Decision making functions to align the output classes with the Environmental Protection Authority's Statement of Performance Expectations for the 2016/17 financial year.

Environmental Training Programmes (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve collaborative relationships, raise environmental awareness and encourage children to participate in environmental initiatives.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental output expense is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Fresh Start for Fresh Water: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation and Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve improved and sustained water quality by targeted interventions in the Rotorua Lakes.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister for the Environment in a report appended to the Ministry for the Environment's Annual Report.

Service Providers#

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Lake Taupo Protection Programme (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve a 20 per cent reduction of manageable nitrogen leaching into Lake Taupo.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental output expense is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The decrease in this appropriation for 2017/18 reflects the payment profile associated with the programme.

Promotion of Sustainable Land Management (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve enhanced sustainable land management.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental output expense is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Te Mana o Te Wai - restoring the life-giving capacity of fresh water (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve improved water quality of freshwater bodies.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental output expense is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The increase in this appropriation for 2017/18 is mainly due to additional funding of $1 million allocated through Budget 2017 to improve water quality of freshwater bodies that are important to iwi/hapu. 

The Fresh Water Improvement Fund (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve improvements in the water quality of New Zealand's freshwater bodies in partnership with others.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister for the Environment in a report appended to the Ministry for the Environment's Annual Report.

Service Providers#

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The increase in this appropriation for 2017/18 is partially due to an expense transfer of $2 million from 2016/17. This transfer is due to delays in establishing a contestable funding round (including panel assessment) and contracts negotiation with successful applicants which is now is expected to occur towards the end of 2016/17.

3.4 - Non-Departmental Other Expenses#

Allocation of New Zealand Units (M12)#

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve compensating eligible participants of the Emissions Trading Scheme who face increased costs as a result of the scheme.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister for the Environment in a report appended to the Ministry for the Environment's Annual Report.

Service Providers

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The increase in this appropriation for 2017/18 is due to:

• phased removal of one carbon unit allocation/surrender for two tonnes of emissions reductions policy settings under the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme following the review, and
• an increase in the allocation of units because 2017 is a mandatory reporting period for the post-1989 forestry sector. Post-1989 forestry sector participants have the ability to file an emissions return every year or at the end of the five year period and claim units for the carbon sequestered in the forest. The mandatory reporting period occurs every five years.

Further, the appropriation limit is based on $25 per carbon unit, while the estimated actual is based on the current market price per carbon unit at the time of the forecast.

Climate Change Development Fund (M12)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve an improved response to climate change issues in developing countries.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental other expense is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Environmental Legal Assistance (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve improved accessibility for not-for-profit groups to advocate for an environmental issue of high public interest in resource management cases.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental other expense is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Framework Convention on Climate Change (M12)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve New Zealand compliance with its international financial obligations to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and ensure New Zealand's participation.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental other expense is less than $5 million.

Fresh Start for Fresh Water: Waikato River Clean-up Fund (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve the resourcing of initiatives for restoring and protecting the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

Annual funding decisions are based on:

- applicants meeting the funding criteria

- applications being for projects identified as priority areas by the Trust, and

- the quality of the applications received.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister for the Environment in a report appended to the Ministry for the Environment's Annual Report.

Service Providers#

Impairment of Debt Relating to Climate Change Activities (M12)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve recognition of the expense so that climate change-related activities are valued in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is the provision for incurring the expense involved in the impairment and write-down of Crown debt arising from climate change related activities (excluding environment).

Impairment of Debt Relating to Environment Activities (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve recognition of the expense so that environment-related activities are valued in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is the provision for incurring the expense involved in the impairment and write-down of Crown debt arising from environment related activities (excluding climate change).

International Subscriptions (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve New Zealand's participation in international forums on global environmental issues through the provision of subscriptions to International Environmental Agreements.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental other expense is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Te Pou Tupua (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended achieve the protection of the status, health and wellbeing of Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River).

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental other expense is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Transitional Support for Local Government and Iwi (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve iwi/hapu and councils being consistently enabled to give effect to kaitiakitanga.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental other expense is less than $5 million.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The decrease in this appropriation for 2017/18 is due to:

• one off Crown contributions of $1 million recognised as expenses in 2016/17 upon ratification of deeds by Iwi for the following settlements: a) Hauraki collective - $500,000; b) Ngati Tuwharetoa: Approval of Final Redress and Agreement - $400,000; and c) Ahuriri Hapu Deed of Settlement - $100,000, and
• additional funding of $620,000 allocated in 2016/17 in relation to (Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa-Tamaki Nui-a-Rua: Crown Settlement - $500,000 and Hauraki Negotiations Final Decisions - $120,000).

These decreases are partially offset by a transfer of $620,000 to 2017/18 for Crown contributions relating to the following settlements which is likely to happen in 2017/18: a) Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa-Tamaki Nui-a-Rua: Crown Settlement - $500,000; and b) Hauraki Negotiations Final Decisions - $120,000.

United Nations Environment Programme (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve New Zealand compliance with financial obligations to the United Nations Environment Programme to protect and advance its interests in the work programme.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental other expense is less than $5 million.

Waikato River Co-Governance (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve Waikato and Waipa iwi/hapu being consistently enabled to give effect to kaitiakitanga.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental other expense is less than $5 million.

Waikato River Co-Management (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve Waikato and Waipa iwi/hapu being consistently enabled to give effect to kaitiakitanga.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the Public Finance Act as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental other expense is less than $5 million.

Service Providers#

Waste Disposal Levy Disbursements to Territorial Local Authorities (M29)#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve more effective and efficient waste management and minimisation by distributing the Waste Disposal Levy to territorial authorities to fund activities in their Waste Management and Minimisation Plans.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister for the Environment in a report appended to the Ministry for the Environment's Annual Report.

Service Providers#

Part 4 - Details of Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure#

Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure#

Climate Change (M12)

Overarching Purpose Statement

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses, Revenue and Capital Expenditure

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve quality policy advice to Ministers on domestic and international climate change issues.

How Performance will be Assessed for this Appropriation

What is Intended to be Achieved with each Category and How Performance will be Assessed

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry for the Environment in its Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The decrease in this multi-category appropriation for 2017/18 is primarily due to:

• a reduction in funding by $500,000 for the Carbon Monitoring Programme which is line with the funding profile. Funding of $1.500 million for 2015/16 and $500,000 for 2016/17 was transferred from the Land Use and Carbon Analysis System Multi-year appropriation underspends for progressing the work on International Climate Change reporting

• $300,000 reduction in funding which is in line with the funding profile that was allocated through Budget 2015 for 2015/16 and outyears to set up and operate a supply management strategy, and

• $511,000 transferred from 2015/16 to 2016/17 to continue with the work on NZ ETS review and arrange the Asia Pacific Carbon Markets Roundtable meeting, a New Zealand-led initiative.

These decreases are partially offset by:

• an additional funding of $1 million allocated through Budget 2017 for 2017/18 and outyears to deliver costed, tested and consulted policy options for reducing emissions domestically to contribute towards New Zealand's 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, and

• an increase in funding by $182,000 for 2017/18 allocated for progressing work to ratify the Paris Agreement and plan domestic action on climate change.

Environmental Management Obligations and Programmes (M29)#

Overarching Purpose Statement#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses, Revenue and Capital Expenditure#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve solutions to environmental problems through community involvement and international cooperation.

How Performance will be Assessed for this Appropriation#

What is Intended to be Achieved with each Category and How Performance will be Assessed#

Note 1 - Stage 1 commences when applications to the Fund close, and ends once assessment of applications is complete and funding recommendations are provided to the Minister.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry for the Environment in its Annual Report.

Improving Environmental Management (M29)#

Overarching Purpose Statement#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses, Revenue and Capital Expenditure#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve quality advice with a focus on improving environmental management frameworks.

How Performance will be Assessed for this Appropriation#

What is Intended to be Achieved with each Category and How Performance will be Assessed#

Note 1 - Including collaborative planning guidance, streamlined planning guidance, mana whakahono a rohe guidance, consenting, quality planning guidance updates, everyday guide update.

Note 2 - Including water science and economics projects associated with the management of Te Mana o Te Wai; human health for recreation; the proposed swimming targets; ecosystem health (including macroinvertebrates); toxic algae in rivers (drivers and toxicity); sediment; estuaries (state and values); freshwater flows; and groundwater.

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry for the Environment in its Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives#

Reasons for Change in Appropriation#

The increase in this Multi-category appropriation for 2017/18 is mainly due to:

• an expense transfer of $2.820 million to 2017/18 for non-departmental output class ' Water science and economics'. This work involves building science and economics knowledge and capability by developing the science that underpins the attributes for the National Objectives Framework. The transfer is due to the delays caused by limited capacity in the research sector to carry out the required level of research, and
• additional funding of $1.719 million for 2017/18 allocated through Budget 2017 ($1.469 million to support the implementation of the National Policy Statement for Urban Development Capacity 2016 and $250,000 to commence the engagement processes to consider establishing two recreational fishing parks in Hauraki and Marlborough).

These increases are partially offset by:

• an expense transfer of $2.712 million from 2015/16 to 2016/17 to progress work on resource management and water management reforms, and

• $503,000 in funding allocated for 2016/17 through the 'Better Public Service (BPS) Seed Funding' for an Environmental Integrated Data Infrastructure Pilot (e-IDI) project.

Mitigating Environmental Hazards and Waste (M29)#

Overarching Purpose Statement#

Scope of Appropriation#

Expenses, Revenue and Capital Expenditure#

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#

This appropriation is intended to achieve quality advice on managing chemical and biological hazards, and waste.

How Performance will be Assessed for this Appropriation#

What is Intended to be Achieved with each Category and How Performance will be Assessed#

End of Year Performance Reporting#

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry for the Environment in its Annual Report.