Environmental Law Initiative - Aotearoa NZ
@eli-aotearoa.bsky.social
We use the law to protect the natural taonga of Aotearoa.
Too often environmental laws are poorly implemented or ignored. We're changing that. We use the law to hold regulators & corporate interests to account, for nature & future generations.
eli.org.nz
Too often environmental laws are poorly implemented or ignored. We're changing that. We use the law to hold regulators & corporate interests to account, for nature & future generations.
eli.org.nz
Good piece from Waatea News about our High Court hoiho hearing.
“In a statement released after the hearing, ELI’s senior legal advisor warned that the long-term proposal from Fisheries NZ is deeply flawed and insufficient to safeguard the hoiho.”
buff.ly/eXwXKNz
#hoiho
#yelloweyedpenguin
“In a statement released after the hearing, ELI’s senior legal advisor warned that the long-term proposal from Fisheries NZ is deeply flawed and insufficient to safeguard the hoiho.”
buff.ly/eXwXKNz
#hoiho
#yelloweyedpenguin
Hoiho Protections in Flux as Court Case Concludes
December 04, 2025
waateanews.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Good piece from Waatea News about our High Court hoiho hearing.
“In a statement released after the hearing, ELI’s senior legal advisor warned that the long-term proposal from Fisheries NZ is deeply flawed and insufficient to safeguard the hoiho.”
buff.ly/eXwXKNz
#hoiho
#yelloweyedpenguin
“In a statement released after the hearing, ELI’s senior legal advisor warned that the long-term proposal from Fisheries NZ is deeply flawed and insufficient to safeguard the hoiho.”
buff.ly/eXwXKNz
#hoiho
#yelloweyedpenguin
A quick media roundup from day one in the High Court. A significant moment came when Crown counsel confirmed the death of another hoiho in a set net off Rakiura / Stewart Island on Saturday — outside the current emergency closure area.
#hoiho #yellow-eyed penguin
#hoiho #yellow-eyed penguin
Lawyers criticise ministry's advice to Fisheries Minister Shane Jones on set net fishing
The Environmental Law Initiative has filed court proceedings against the oceans and fisheries minister for failing to protect hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguins, from the risk of extinction.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 1, 2025 at 10:56 PM
A quick media roundup from day one in the High Court. A significant moment came when Crown counsel confirmed the death of another hoiho in a set net off Rakiura / Stewart Island on Saturday — outside the current emergency closure area.
#hoiho #yellow-eyed penguin
#hoiho #yellow-eyed penguin
“Silence fell across the court as the death of yet another hoiho was announced. It was a potent reminder of why we are here. We want to see hoiho stand a chance of surviving,”
-- ELI’s Senior Legal Advisor Megan Cornforth-Camden.
#hoiho #penguins #conservation
-- ELI’s Senior Legal Advisor Megan Cornforth-Camden.
#hoiho #penguins #conservation
December 1, 2025 at 3:33 AM
“Silence fell across the court as the death of yet another hoiho was announced. It was a potent reminder of why we are here. We want to see hoiho stand a chance of surviving,”
-- ELI’s Senior Legal Advisor Megan Cornforth-Camden.
#hoiho #penguins #conservation
-- ELI’s Senior Legal Advisor Megan Cornforth-Camden.
#hoiho #penguins #conservation
We’re underway this morning at the High Court, in our urgent case against the Minister for Oceans & Fisheries. This is the first time emergency powers have been used to protect a threatened species under the Fisheries Act. With ongoing decline of many marine species, they are an ever-important tool.
November 30, 2025 at 8:30 PM
We’re underway this morning at the High Court, in our urgent case against the Minister for Oceans & Fisheries. This is the first time emergency powers have been used to protect a threatened species under the Fisheries Act. With ongoing decline of many marine species, they are an ever-important tool.
As Newsroom reports, "...proposed protections for endangered hoiho will just slow their decline".
"Van Heezik says there’s a significant overlap between hoiho foraging areas and commercial fishing, “and those areas are not included in this proposed set-net ban”.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/27/j...
"Van Heezik says there’s a significant overlap between hoiho foraging areas and commercial fishing, “and those areas are not included in this proposed set-net ban”.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/27/j...
Jones’ penguin plan doesn’t go far enough, experts say
A University of Otago researcher says proposed protections for endangered hoiho will just slow their decline.
newsroom.co.nz
November 28, 2025 at 8:45 PM
As Newsroom reports, "...proposed protections for endangered hoiho will just slow their decline".
"Van Heezik says there’s a significant overlap between hoiho foraging areas and commercial fishing, “and those areas are not included in this proposed set-net ban”.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/27/j...
"Van Heezik says there’s a significant overlap between hoiho foraging areas and commercial fishing, “and those areas are not included in this proposed set-net ban”.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/27/j...
On Monday, we begin our urgent hearing in the Wellington High Court, where we will be challenging the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries’ emergency set-net fishing closure. Why? We argue that the closure is inadequate to protect the critically endangered northern hoiho population.
#hoiho #penguins
#hoiho #penguins
November 26, 2025 at 11:26 PM
We have launched a new initiative:
West Pacific leatherback turtles are critically endangered & facing extinction. The population declined 87% between 1984 & 2017, with estimates lacking after 2017. A 2013 estimate had only 1,438 mature adults remaining.
www.thepost.co.nz/environment/...
#turtles
West Pacific leatherback turtles are critically endangered & facing extinction. The population declined 87% between 1984 & 2017, with estimates lacking after 2017. A 2013 estimate had only 1,438 mature adults remaining.
www.thepost.co.nz/environment/...
#turtles
Accidental turtle killings ‘a major conservation failure’
Critically endangered leatherback turtles dying in commercial fisheries spark urgent calls for action, but ministers warn against rushing in new controls.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 19, 2025 at 9:24 PM
We have launched a new initiative:
West Pacific leatherback turtles are critically endangered & facing extinction. The population declined 87% between 1984 & 2017, with estimates lacking after 2017. A 2013 estimate had only 1,438 mature adults remaining.
www.thepost.co.nz/environment/...
#turtles
West Pacific leatherback turtles are critically endangered & facing extinction. The population declined 87% between 1984 & 2017, with estimates lacking after 2017. A 2013 estimate had only 1,438 mature adults remaining.
www.thepost.co.nz/environment/...
#turtles
In 2 weeks, we'll be in the High Court challenging the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries' emergency closure decision, which closed only part of northern hoiho habitat to setnet fishing, when the entire population is at risk of extinction.
As The Post reports:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
As The Post reports:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Alarming report shows rare penguin in freefall as Government moves to extend fishing ban
Seventeen hoiho deaths in one season: new data reveals the scale of the crisis.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 17, 2025 at 11:35 PM
In 2 weeks, we'll be in the High Court challenging the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries' emergency closure decision, which closed only part of northern hoiho habitat to setnet fishing, when the entire population is at risk of extinction.
As The Post reports:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
As The Post reports:
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Andrea Vance in The Post today:
"The Environmental Law Initiative is challenging a High Court ruling that backed the Environmental Protection Authority’s refusal to reassess glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.
#glyphosate
Read the full piece at the link:
www.thepost.co.nz/environment/...
"The Environmental Law Initiative is challenging a High Court ruling that backed the Environmental Protection Authority’s refusal to reassess glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.
#glyphosate
Read the full piece at the link:
www.thepost.co.nz/environment/...
Environmental group takes glyphosate fight to Court of Appeal
The battle over glyphosate isn’t over. An environmental group says the EPA is shutting the door on new science - and is now taking the fight to the Court of Appeal.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 17, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Andrea Vance in The Post today:
"The Environmental Law Initiative is challenging a High Court ruling that backed the Environmental Protection Authority’s refusal to reassess glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.
#glyphosate
Read the full piece at the link:
www.thepost.co.nz/environment/...
"The Environmental Law Initiative is challenging a High Court ruling that backed the Environmental Protection Authority’s refusal to reassess glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.
#glyphosate
Read the full piece at the link:
www.thepost.co.nz/environment/...
Breaking: We are appealing the High Court ruling that upheld the NZ EPA’s decision finding no grounds to reassess glyphosate or glyphosate-containing herbicides.
Despite being the most widely used herbicide in Aotearoa NZ, the EPA has never conducted a comprehensive risk assessment of #glyphosate.
Despite being the most widely used herbicide in Aotearoa NZ, the EPA has never conducted a comprehensive risk assessment of #glyphosate.
November 16, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Breaking: We are appealing the High Court ruling that upheld the NZ EPA’s decision finding no grounds to reassess glyphosate or glyphosate-containing herbicides.
Despite being the most widely used herbicide in Aotearoa NZ, the EPA has never conducted a comprehensive risk assessment of #glyphosate.
Despite being the most widely used herbicide in Aotearoa NZ, the EPA has never conducted a comprehensive risk assessment of #glyphosate.
Aotearoa is home to almost 28,000 species found nowhere else on Earth. To fast-track hazardous chemicals in New Zealand — as BusinessNZ is proposing — risks this unique biodiversity, the health of our communities, and our reputation as an exporter.
buff.ly/jDtzHME
#hazardouschemicals
#nzepa
buff.ly/jDtzHME
#hazardouschemicals
#nzepa
The Post
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Aotearoa is home to almost 28,000 species found nowhere else on Earth. To fast-track hazardous chemicals in New Zealand — as BusinessNZ is proposing — risks this unique biodiversity, the health of our communities, and our reputation as an exporter.
buff.ly/jDtzHME
#hazardouschemicals
#nzepa
buff.ly/jDtzHME
#hazardouschemicals
#nzepa
“The settlement, announced yesterday, represents one of New Zealand’s most significant challenges to corporate green claims.
buff.ly/6EYzrab
buff.ly/6EYzrab
Integrity Briefing: Z Energy's greenwashing saga and what it says about corporate power
This weekend, Z Energy did something rare in corporate New Zealand: it apologised.
theintegrityinstitute.substack.com
November 2, 2025 at 9:03 PM
“The settlement, announced yesterday, represents one of New Zealand’s most significant challenges to corporate green claims.
buff.ly/6EYzrab
buff.ly/6EYzrab
After our 2 year-long joint proceedings against Z Energy, the company has run full-page adverts in the Sunday Star Times and the Herald on Sunday, apologising for any confusion caused by aspects of its advertising campaign, which claimed it was in the business of getting out of the petrol business.
November 1, 2025 at 9:12 PM
After our 2 year-long joint proceedings against Z Energy, the company has run full-page adverts in the Sunday Star Times and the Herald on Sunday, apologising for any confusion caused by aspects of its advertising campaign, which claimed it was in the business of getting out of the petrol business.
Breaking: We welcome MPI’s announcement today that after considering industry and public feedback, glyphosate residue limits will stay at 0.1mg/kg for wheat, barley and oats with additional restrictions introduced on use. (However, the level for dry field peas will be raised to 6mg/kg).
#glyphosate
#glyphosate
Glyphosate residue limits to stay at 0.1mg/kg for wheat, barley and oats, with restrictions introduced on permitted use | NZ Government
After carefully considering industry, stakeholder, and public feedback on a proposal to change maximum residue levels (MRLs) for glyphosate in wheat, barley and oats, New Zealand Food Safety has…
www.mpi.govt.nz
October 29, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Breaking: We welcome MPI’s announcement today that after considering industry and public feedback, glyphosate residue limits will stay at 0.1mg/kg for wheat, barley and oats with additional restrictions introduced on use. (However, the level for dry field peas will be raised to 6mg/kg).
#glyphosate
#glyphosate
In The Post:
“The science has been there for 20 years, but it’s really only been the last five or 10 years that there’s been recognition of the impact of fishing that leads to the over-abundance of kina.”
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
#crayfish
“The science has been there for 20 years, but it’s really only been the last five or 10 years that there’s been recognition of the impact of fishing that leads to the over-abundance of kina.”
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
#crayfish
A cry for kelp - the spiky problem of urchin barrens
Reefs barren of life-giving kelp are widespread throughout New Zealand. While scientists hope efforts to curb kina over-grazing will help, a new, spinier threat is on the march.
www.thepost.co.nz
October 28, 2025 at 1:17 AM
In The Post:
“The science has been there for 20 years, but it’s really only been the last five or 10 years that there’s been recognition of the impact of fishing that leads to the over-abundance of kina.”
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
#crayfish
“The science has been there for 20 years, but it’s really only been the last five or 10 years that there’s been recognition of the impact of fishing that leads to the over-abundance of kina.”
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
#crayfish
Fisheries NZ are currently consulting on a proposal that the Crown bear $3.76 million in annual costs for the onboard camera programme. In our view it is neither lawful nor fair for the Crown not to recover these costs from the fishing industry.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/22/f...
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/22/f...
Taxpayer to be tapped for half the cost of $8.7m cameras on boats scheme
The Environmental Law Initiative believes the Fisheries Act doesn't allow for taxpayers to co-fund the cameras-on-boats programme
newsroom.co.nz
October 23, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Fisheries NZ are currently consulting on a proposal that the Crown bear $3.76 million in annual costs for the onboard camera programme. In our view it is neither lawful nor fair for the Crown not to recover these costs from the fishing industry.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/22/f...
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/22/f...
We have been granted an urgent hearing, with the Court saying that the interests of justice favour an urgent hearing.
We'll be in the High Court Dec 1st - 2nd.
For hoiho to survive on the mainland and in Rakiura, we need to ensure that the Government is implementing the Fisheries Act correctly.
We'll be in the High Court Dec 1st - 2nd.
For hoiho to survive on the mainland and in Rakiura, we need to ensure that the Government is implementing the Fisheries Act correctly.
October 22, 2025 at 1:50 AM
We have been granted an urgent hearing, with the Court saying that the interests of justice favour an urgent hearing.
We'll be in the High Court Dec 1st - 2nd.
For hoiho to survive on the mainland and in Rakiura, we need to ensure that the Government is implementing the Fisheries Act correctly.
We'll be in the High Court Dec 1st - 2nd.
For hoiho to survive on the mainland and in Rakiura, we need to ensure that the Government is implementing the Fisheries Act correctly.
High Court Judgment for ELI vs EPA
The High Court has ruled that the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) did not establish “a reviewable error” in the EPA's decision that grounds did not exist to reassess the herbicide glyphosate.
Full statement on our website: buff.ly/VAZA9aJ
The High Court has ruled that the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) did not establish “a reviewable error” in the EPA's decision that grounds did not exist to reassess the herbicide glyphosate.
Full statement on our website: buff.ly/VAZA9aJ
October 21, 2025 at 1:28 AM
High Court Judgment for ELI vs EPA
The High Court has ruled that the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) did not establish “a reviewable error” in the EPA's decision that grounds did not exist to reassess the herbicide glyphosate.
Full statement on our website: buff.ly/VAZA9aJ
The High Court has ruled that the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) did not establish “a reviewable error” in the EPA's decision that grounds did not exist to reassess the herbicide glyphosate.
Full statement on our website: buff.ly/VAZA9aJ
Today we announced legal action challenging the limited emergency setnet ban Minister Shane Jones put in place, to protect hoiho yellow-eyed penguins.
We argue the Minister failed to consider the economic impact of #hoiho deaths on the region's eco-tourism operators.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
We argue the Minister failed to consider the economic impact of #hoiho deaths on the region's eco-tourism operators.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Charity takes legal action over set net fishing ban, says hoiho need more protection
The Environmental Law Initiative has filed court proceedings against the oceans and fisheries minister, saying the ban fails to protect hoiho, or yellow eyed penguins, from the risk of extinction.
www.rnz.co.nz
October 16, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Today we announced legal action challenging the limited emergency setnet ban Minister Shane Jones put in place, to protect hoiho yellow-eyed penguins.
We argue the Minister failed to consider the economic impact of #hoiho deaths on the region's eco-tourism operators.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
We argue the Minister failed to consider the economic impact of #hoiho deaths on the region's eco-tourism operators.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Breaking: We have filed High Court proceedings against the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, challenging his recent decision to close a portion of northern hoiho habitat to setnet fishing.
We’ve asked the High Court to grant an urgent hearing.
#hoiho #yellow-eyedpenguin #penguins
We’ve asked the High Court to grant an urgent hearing.
#hoiho #yellow-eyedpenguin #penguins
October 15, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Breaking: We have filed High Court proceedings against the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, challenging his recent decision to close a portion of northern hoiho habitat to setnet fishing.
We’ve asked the High Court to grant an urgent hearing.
#hoiho #yellow-eyedpenguin #penguins
We’ve asked the High Court to grant an urgent hearing.
#hoiho #yellow-eyedpenguin #penguins
Want to know what we’re working on? For a full list of our cases visit eli.org.nz. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on case developments.
October 9, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Want to know what we’re working on? For a full list of our cases visit eli.org.nz. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on case developments.
The Government has put the brakes on changes to the maximum residue level of glyphosate - because so many people made submissions and raised concerns about such a large increase.
#glyphosate
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/09/f...
#glyphosate
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/09/f...
Food Safety swamped by thousands of objections, stalling glyphosate review
Federated Farmers says a proposed increase in the level of Roundup residue in food risks incentivising poorer farming standards.
newsroom.co.nz
October 9, 2025 at 2:27 AM
The Government has put the brakes on changes to the maximum residue level of glyphosate - because so many people made submissions and raised concerns about such a large increase.
#glyphosate
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/09/f...
#glyphosate
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/09/f...
"New Zealand was an active participant in the drafting of the High Seas Treaty and an early signatory in September 2023. A total of 74 nations have now ratified it, but New Zealand is not one of them."
Why not?
#HighSeasTreaty #nzpol
Why not?
#HighSeasTreaty #nzpol
74 countries have now ratified a landmark treaty to protect the high seas. Why hasn’t NZ?
The High Seas Treaty comes into force in January. New Zealand lags behind on several fronts, including marine protection and recognition of Māori customary rights.
theconversation.com
October 2, 2025 at 9:57 PM
"New Zealand was an active participant in the drafting of the High Seas Treaty and an early signatory in September 2023. A total of 74 nations have now ratified it, but New Zealand is not one of them."
Why not?
#HighSeasTreaty #nzpol
Why not?
#HighSeasTreaty #nzpol
”It’s a very troubling situation, and Environment Canterbury has not been getting it right in decisions on large-scale discharges, as our court cases have shown.”
buff.ly/dUHCHe7
#nitrates
#canterbury
#freshwater
buff.ly/dUHCHe7
#nitrates
#canterbury
#freshwater
Enviro group back-footed as freshwater pollution limits loosened
An ongoing battle over Canterbury nitrate discharge enters a new chapter after law changes influenced a High Court decision
newsroom.co.nz
October 1, 2025 at 11:30 PM
”It’s a very troubling situation, and Environment Canterbury has not been getting it right in decisions on large-scale discharges, as our court cases have shown.”
buff.ly/dUHCHe7
#nitrates
#canterbury
#freshwater
buff.ly/dUHCHe7
#nitrates
#canterbury
#freshwater
We have filed an appeal over the High Court's decision not to overturn ECan's MHV nitrate discharge consent (despite the Court finding the consent to be unlawful).
#freshwater
#canterbury
#nitrates
#freshwater
#canterbury
#nitrates
October 1, 2025 at 2:41 AM
We have filed an appeal over the High Court's decision not to overturn ECan's MHV nitrate discharge consent (despite the Court finding the consent to be unlawful).
#freshwater
#canterbury
#nitrates
#freshwater
#canterbury
#nitrates