Social services are those dedicated to enhancing people’s economic and social well-being by helping them lead more stable, healthy, self-sufficient and fulfilling lives. New Zealand’s social services – specifically, those provided, funded or otherwise supported by government – were the subject of a recent New Zealand Productivity Commission inquiry. The commission’s final report is wide-ranging...

New Zealand is world-renowned for its nature – its lush forests, spectacular mountain landscapes, wild and scenic rivers, beautiful coastlines and extraordinary biodiversity. This natural heritage is the foundation of New Zealand’s identity and its branding, and the premier attraction for the tourism industry. Nature contributes to the success of the nation’s fishing, farming, forestry...

Biodiversity offsets are proliferating globally, and are commonly offered or required in a development context to address residual impacts on biodiversity. Regulatory requirements for mitigating or offsetting ecological harm are now commonplace, with more than 60 countries having introduced relevant policies. Biodiversity offsets are commonly framed in policy as opportunities to reconcile the competing interests...

Biodiversity is valued for its intrinsic worth and for its role in generating ecosystem services, such as soil fertility, clean air, renewable bio-resources, and water quality and availability. While biodiversity outcomes are generally pursued by nations for land in various types of ownership, this article focuses on protected areas on publicly owned lands. Currently, the...

‘Conservation matters’, New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) briefed its new minister in 2014, because ‘New Zealand’s natural heritage shapes the country’s cultural identity and ... New Zealanders identify strongly with conservation lands and waters’ (Department of Conservation, 2014, p.4). It further explained that the benefits of conservation are much more than improving health and...