ECO Annual Report 2014 FINAL-1 Annual Report 2014 FINAL-1.pdfECO Annual Report 2013-14 P a g e | 1...

ECOAnnualReport2013-14

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EnvironmentandConservationOrganisationsofNZInc

AnnualReportAugust2013-July2014

POBox11-057,WellingtonEmail:[email protected]

Website:www.eco.org.nzPhone/Fax64-4-385-7545


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ENVIRONMENTANDCONSERVATIONORGANISATIONSOFNEWZEALANDINC2013-2014ANNUALREPORT

1.0 IntroductionItiswithpleasurethatwepresenttheannualreportfortheperiodNovember2013toAugust2014,preparedbythemembersoftheECOExecutivewiththehelpofECO’snewandmuchappreciatedExecutiveOfficer,MichaelPringle.The2013ECOAGMgavetheExecutiveCommitteetheprioritiesof:AExternalPrioritiesCollaborate,co-ordinateandcatalyse:1.AntarcticaandSouthernOcean2.Coal,oilandgasmining3.Marineandfisheriesmanagement4.Climatechange5.Opensociety,participation,dueprocessandAarhusConvention6.Electionissues–VotefortheEnvironment-politicalpartypositions7.ExoticForestry8.EnvironmentalManagementincludingRMAandEEZlegislationB.InternalPriorities1.DevelopingplanoverthenextyeartoincreaseECOsfundingbase;2.StrategicassessmentofECOincludingagreedtasksfromtheConferenceDiscussion(regional

wananga;ECOStructure;TreatyPartnershipandWai262;ElectronicForum;andReviewOfficeArrangements)

3.Strengthenuseofinternalcommunications4.Strengthenthenetworkfunctionsoftheumbrella5.EngagingwithMaoriANDWai2626.Capacitybuilding2.0 ExternalPriorities,PolicyandWorkingGroups:WorkingwiththesedirectionsinsuccessiveExecmeetingsandcorrespondence,anECOExecplanningRetreatattheendofMarch2013atPlimmerton,theECOExecutivearrivedatthefollowingworkinggroups,withalloftheexternalprioritiesoutlinedabovefoldedintoworkinggroups,asoutlinedbelow.TheExecutivediscussedtheAGMprioritiesandthecontinuingissuesthatECOworkson,andtheneedtodrawinmorepeoplefromthemembershipandthewidercommunitysothatlessoftheloadoftheworkinggroupworklandsontheExecutiveCommittee.WeagreedonsevenExternalWorkingGroupsandfourthatare“internal”butsome,liketheEngagementwithMaoriandWai26group,actuallystraddlebothinternalandexternalmatters.


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ECOPoliciesFollowingthediscussionsofthe2013AGMandadaylongPolicyWorkshopinFebruary2014,ECOalsodevelopedaslateofpoliciesforpromotion.Thesebothinformanddrawontheworkoftheworkinggroupsandremainaworkinprogressandarepresentedagaintothe2014Conference.JennyBakerhasworkedthroughseveraldecadesofECOpolicyandCathWallaceandBarryWeeberandothers–subjecttothewilloftheAGM,haveaprogrammeforfurthercollatingandintegratingthisworkwiththecurrentpolicypositions.ExternalWorkingGroups:Wecirculatedforcommentfromthemembershipandfriendstheintendednatureandscopeoftheworkinggroupsandweareverygratefultothosewhoresponded.Theexecwasalsocarryingtheresponsibilityfortheon-goingwork,sothereconstitutionoftheworkinggroupsisaworkinprogress.Welistbelowtheworkinggroups,andthentheproposedscopeofeach,butwiththecaveatthatthescopeallowsbutdoesnotnecessarilyindicatethatextensiveworkwillbedoneoneachelement.Workinggroupleadersarecraftingorinsomecaseshavecraftedtheirproposedactivityplan,butthepressureofworkhasmeantthatsomeareessentiallystillworkingontheirpreviousbasisandnewpeoplearestillbeingrecruitedandworkplansdeveloped.Weareverygratefultothosewhoofferedcommentsandsuggestedmembersfortheworkinggroups.Wearestillopentohearingmore.CathWallaceisthevice-chairpolicy,andisthecontactpointforworkinggroups.TheExternalWorkingGroupsare:WorkingGroup1:Improvedenvironmentalmanagementandlaws.WorkingGroup2Title:Conservation,BiosecurityandBiodiversityWorkingGroup3:MarineandFisheriesWorkingGroup4:International,AntarcticaandtheSouthernOceanWorkingGroup5:ClimateWorkingGroupWorkingGroup6:OpenGovernmentandParticipativeSocietyWorkingGroup7:PolicyandPromotionofourvisionforNZandthewiderenvironment. 2.1 WorkingGroup1:Improvedenvironmentalmanagementandlaws.Scope/TermsofReference:1) Environmentallawandpolicy;environmentalgovernanceandmanagementarrangementsand

practice;2) RMA,Localgovernment,[crosscutswithEEZ&ContinentalShelfAct]3) Landuseandlanduseimpactsincludingagricultureandforestry,catchmentmanagement;4) Rolesoftheagencies,institutionalarrangements,EPA,ParliamentaryCommissioner,MfE,local

governmentagencies,tangatawhenuarolesandresponsibilities,interactionwiththepublicandiwi.


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5) StateoftheEnvironmentReportingandindicators;supplementstoGDPfornationalandregionalreporting.

6) Otherrelatedlegislationandlandusemanagement.7) Water,damsandirrigation,waterpollution,waterflows[butECOnottakingamajorleadin

thisarea].

Specialistsub-workingGroups:ExoticForestryincludingForestStewardshipCouncil,NZForestsAccord,Plantationstandards.Miningandrelatedmineralsactivityincludingcoal,lignite,gas,oil,minerals,CrownMineralsAct&mineralsProgrammes;Seabedmineralsactivity–alsointhemarineworkinggroup.Thisworkinggroupinteractsparticularlywiththeclimatechange,marineandfisheries,andconservation,biodiversityandbiosecurityworkinggroupsActivityReport:ReflectingthefollowingprioritiesfromtheAGMof2013:2.Coal,oilandgasmining7.ExoticForestry;8.EnvironmentalManagementincludingRMAandEEZlegislation,ECOcontinuedtoengagewiththeCrownMineralsActandmineralsprogrammesandwesubmittedontheTransTasmanResources(TTR)ironsandsseabedminingapplicationtotheEPA,andtheChathamRiseRockPhosphateapplicationwhichhasyettobeheard.Wehavelentourvoicestothedebateonoilandgasexplorationandextraction,andtheimplementationoftheExclusiveEconomicZoneandContinentalShelfActchangeswhichishighlyproblematicforsubmitters,albeit,theTTRcasehassofarbeensuccessful.WecontinuetoengagewithgroupsdealingwithmineralsactivitiesthatimpacttheenvironmentandwiththegovernmentforitsdisappointinglawchangesandextraordinaryMineralsProgrammeministerialstatement.Wehavecontinuedtoengage–wheretherewereopportunities–withthediscussionontheResourceManagementAct,particularlybutnotonly,theproposalbygovernmenttoremoveormodifycrucialPrinciplesfromSection7,andtoinsertotherprinciplesthatunderminetheenvironmentalintentoftheRMA.TheMinisterfortheEnvironmentfoundtimetobriefthosewhopaid$10,000toattendmeetingsoftheCabinetClub,butwas“toobusy”tomeetECOtodiscussRMA-relatedmatters.TheRuataniwhadamhearingprocessandthewithdrawalofDoCsubmissionslaidbareforusthedifficultiesfacedbythelocalsubmittersandthepressurebeingputtobearonDoCtocurtailitsvoicewheneconomicinterestsarepowerful.OnExoticforestry,BillGilbertsonisrunningthesubgrouponthis,andhasdevotedmuchtimetorevivingtheEnvironmentChamberoftheForestStewardshipCouncil(FSC),togetagreementoftheEnvironmentchamberfortheadmissionofNgaUrioteNgahereTrust,andtogettheprocessforengagementwiththeotherchambersontheStandardsDevelopmentGroupsortedout.ThisistotheimplementthenewFSCinternationalStandardcompliantNZstandards.HesoughtfundsekfundsfortheworkoftheStandardsDevelopmentGroupenvironmentalchamberrepresentatives.


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ECOappliedwithoutsuccesselsewhereforagrantforECOtodevelopguidesandotherresourcestohelpguidelocalcommunitiestoengagewithforestryactivitiesundertheFSC.Wehavenothadtheresourcestoengageinanyofthespecificforestrycompanycertificationaudits.ECOalsoinputintotheMinistryfortheEnvironmentandtheMinistryofPrimaryIndustrynationalforestrystandardstemplatediscussionsbutwehaveheardnothingforsomemonthsnow.JennyBakercompletedthecasestudydiscussionpaperontheNgunguruforestrycaseandthatisnowonECO’swebsite.Notallcontributionstothiscasestudyactuallyappeared,sowhatwehaveisapartialassessmentoftheHancocksforestrypracticewiththeFSCPrinciplesandCriteria,whichregrettably,doesnotalwaysmeasureuptothese.2.2.WorkingGroup2Title:Conservation,BiosecurityandBiodiversity.Scope/TermsofReference:1) BiodiversityandBiosecurityissues–inassociationwithmarine,climateandotherrelevant

groups.

2) EngagementwiththeDepartmentofConservation(DOC),theNZConservationAuthorityandBoardsandconservationorbiosecurityrelevantagenciesincludingMPIandBiosecurityNZ.Mattersrelocalgovernmentandcentralgovernmentfunding

3) BiodiversityconservationandassociatedplansandtoolsegNZBiodiversityStrategyortheBiodiversityNationalPolicyStatementorwhateveremergesinthenationaltemplate.

4) Protectedareas,protectedspeciesandecosystems.

5) Pestplantsandweeds,diseases,controlofthreats,eg.pestcontrol.

6) Someaspectsoflandandwatermanagementandimpacts.

7) Communityconservationandrestorationinitiativesorcollaborations.Co-managementandco-governance,partnershipsforconservation.

8) Heritage,includingcityandurbanheritage.

9) AspectsofRegional/Unitaryauthoritywork

10) Someaspectsofinternationalbiodiversity,conservationandbiosecuritymanagementandgovernance.

11) Tangatawhenuarolesingovernanceandmanagement,initiativesandpartnerships.

12) Neworganisms,alienspecies,GM,nanotechnology,etc.ActivityReport:Totheextentourtimetablesallowed,ECOhasattendedconsultationswithDoC,buthasbeenunabletoengagetotheextentwewouldlikewiththenewarrangementsthatDoCisputtingin


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placeregardingpartnershipsanditsgreateremphasisonworkingwithbusinessandrecreationalandconservationgroups,thoughwehavedonewhatwecan.WehaveapplaudedtheDoCplantotacklethemastyearpestanimalexplosion,andhaveparticipatedineffortstounderstandandtospreadcommunityawarenessofKauridie-back.ECOmadesubmissionsontheReviewoftheConservationBoardsandonsomeoftheConservationManagementPlansandotherconservationplanningdocuments.ECOcontinuestobean“outergroup”memberoftheLandandWaterForum,LAWF,andwewereunimpressedbythegovernment’swaterstandards.ECOisnotabletodevotealotofresourcestothisvitalmatter,butwesalutetheworkofDrMikeJoyandFishandGameinpressingforbetterwaterqualitystandardsandprotectionofaquaticspeciesandecosystems.WehavehadavigorousunresolvedinternaldebateabouthowweshouldproceedonthequestionofprotectedspeciesculturalharvestandhowtoengagemoreeffectivelywithMaoriandtogainandlendsupporttoMaoriconservationefforts,andtoworkwithinco-governanceandpartnershipsandtheTreatyofWaitangi.Wehavehadsomeengagementwiththekiwisforkiwisecosystemandkiwiprotectionwork-shops,andwouldwelcomemoreinputfromgroupswithconservationpracticeroles.Workforgenuinelyprotectedareasatsea–includingintheEEZandonthehighseasandareasbeyondnationaljurisdiction–hascontinued,butinrelationtoNewZealandwestillhavenotseenaneworrevisedMarineReservesBillappear,conservationisstillnotagroundsformarinereserves,andwestillawaitgenuineprotectedareasintheEEZ.ECOhasworkedwiththeHighSeasAllianceandtheDeepSeaConservationCoalitionandIUCNandisgratefulfortheirwork,especiallythatofDuncanCurrieintheinternationalforums.AlsodiscussedinthecontextofWorkingGroupOne,wehaveengagedonthegovernment’sattemptstodemoteconservationandunderfundconservation,andtoplacedecisionmakingonmineralsactivityinconservationareaspartlyinthehandsoftheResourcesMinisterandthedesignationofconservationstatusoflandintothehandsoftheCabinetratherthantheMinisterofConservation.2.3 MarineandFisheriesScope/TermsofReference:1) InsideTerritorialSea,inEEZ,onExtendedContinentalShelf,andinAreasBeyondNational

Jurisdiction(ABNJ).2) Marinemanagement,marinespatialplanningandprotection;3) Marineecosystem-basedmanagement,speciesprotectionandmanagementofhuman

impacts;OceansPolicy.4) Fisheriesmanagement,QuotaManagementSystem,methodstoreduceimpactsoffishing.

5) Seabedmineralsactivity.


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ThisgroupneedstointersectwiththeECOInternationalandAntarcticandSouthernOceanWorkingGroup,theEnvironmentalmanagementandlawgroup,andwiththewiderENGOmarineandfisheriesgroups,DeepSeaConservationCoalition,andtheHighSeasAlliance.ActivityReport:BarryWeeberhascarriedthebulkoftheworkonECO’sinputtotheNewZealandquotasystemandotherfisheriesmanagementandfisheriesscienceworkinggroups,whicharelegionandincludedeepwater,middle-depths,inshoreandshellfisheries;theAquaticEnvironmentworkinggroup,theAntarcticworkinggroupofMPI,andmore.HeisalsopartoftheHaurakiGulfspatialplanninggroupworkinggrouponFishStocks(withCliveMonds)andtheAquaculture.Asindicatedabove,ECOhasbeenpartoftheinternationalefforttodevelopgovernanceandprotectedareasinareasbeyondnationaljurisdiction(ABNJ),whichisledbyDuncanCurriefortheDeepSeaConservationCoalition.ECOcontinuestofollowanumberofinternationalfisheriesagreements.WehavebeenrepresentedattheSouthPacificRegionalFisheriesOrganisationmeetings(SPRFMO),andwehavewelcomedtheactivitiesofmemberbodiessuchasGreenpeaceandotherswhicharefollowingothersagreementsandnegotiations,suchastheSouthPacificFisheriesForum,theWestandCentralPacificRegionalFisheriesManagementOrganisationandothers.2.4 WorkingGroup4:International,AntarcticaandtheSouthernOceanScope/TermsofReference:1) Internationalbodiesandagreementswithimplicationsforconservationandtheenvironment,

includingtheConventiononBiodiversity,pollutionanddumpingagreements,andotherspecificallyenvironmentalorconservationagreements,butalsoincludingtradeandeconomicagreementsorprotocolswherethesehaveimplicationsfortheenvironment.

2) InternationalUnionofConservationofNature(IUCN)matters(inassociationwithrelevantotherworkingparties).IUCNGovernance,CommissiononEnvironmental,EconomicandSocialPolicy(CEESP).

3) GovernanceandmanagementofhumanimpactsinAntarcticaandtheSouthernOceanincludingAntarcticTreatySystemmatters,invasivespecies,protectedareas,speciesprotection,marinemanagement(inassociationwiththeMarineandOceansgroup),IUUfishing.

4) KeyissueismarineprotectionintheSouthernOceanandRossSeaandfisheriesmanagement.

5) Earthlawandrelatedissues.6) SustainabilityandRio+20–DianaandBetsan.

7) Marineandhighseas,UNICOPOLOS,DeepSeaConservationCoalition,SouthPacificRegional

FisheriesManagementOrganisation,Seabedmining,otherinternationalmarine.


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ActivityReport:ECOcontinuestopressfortheimplementationofarangeofinternationalagreementsandwhentimetablespermit,attendsbriefingsandde-briefingsrelatedtoarangeofinternationalagreements.CatherineIorns-Magallenesorganised,inherprofessionalcapacity,theEarthlawConferenceinWellingtoninFebruary2014,andECOhadasignificantpresenceatthatconference.IUCN’sworkcoversawiderangeofmattersandECOhasbeeninvolvedasamemberofIUCNinbothgovernanceissues(CathWallace)andpolicyandconservationpracticeissues.IndividualmembersoftheECOExecutiveholdofficeormembershipinIUCNexpertcommissions,includingDianaShandwhochairsasubcommitteeoftheCommissiononEnvironmentalEconomicsandSocialPolicy(CEESP),CatherineIorns-MagalleneswhoisontheCommissiononEnvironmentalLaw(CEL),CathWallace,BarryWeeber,DianaShandandotherswhoarepartbothofCEESPandoftheWorldCommissiononProtectedAreasandothermatters.ECOcontinuestoparticipateintheNewZealandIUCNCommitteeandtheworkofthatCommittee.TheAntarcticandSouthernOceanworkcontinues,andthepushforanetworkofmarineprotectedareasintheSouthernOceanproceeds.BarryWeeberisaboardmemberoftheAntarcticandSouthernOceanCoalition,CathWallaceisamemberoftheASOCCouncil.BothcontinuedwitharangeofengagementsonAntarcticmattersandBarryWeeberwillattendtheSCARopenresearchmeetinginAucklandimmediatelyaftertheECOconference.ECOhasalsoengagedwiththeInternationalMaritimeOrganisationprocessesonthePolarCodeandmeasurestoensurefishingvesselsarecoveredbyinternationalenvironmentalandsafetyrules.Betsan,DianaandCatherineIorns-MagalleneshaveworkedbothtogetherandseparatelyonenvironmentaljusticeandothermattersinthePacific,atlargeinternationallyandinotherspherestopromotethesustainabilityagendaandjustoutcomes.2.5 WorkingGroup5:ClimateWorkingGroupScope/TermsofReference:1) Climatechange,energy,transport,agricultureandforestryastheyrelatetoglobalchange.2) WorkforthedecarbonisationofNewZealand–futurepathwaystoaclimate-responsible

developmenttrack,pressforNZtodevelopanationallowcarbondevelopmentplan.3) ECOrecognisesseveralotherorganisationsareworkinginthisarea,weagreetocomplement

thatwork.4) WorkwithotherorganisationsincludingthoseintheClimateDefenceNetwork,ECOmembers

andcontacts,concernedTangataWhenuaorganisationsandwidercoalitionson:i) Promotionofpoliciesandattitudestoreducecarbonemissionsandtofostercarbon

sinksandreservoirs.ii) DecarbonisationofNewZealand–futurepathwaystoaclimate-responsible

developmenttrack.


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iii) Workonsolutionsandsubmissionsonclimatechange,energyandrelatedlanduseincludingagriculture,forestry,biodiversityandsoils.

iv) Communicatingclimateandenergypolicyandpromotingbehaviourchange.v) Promotionofprotectionofnativebiodiversityandsocialjusticeinthepursuitof

climatepolicies.vi) Oceanacidificationandaprecautionaryapproachtogeoengineering.

vii) CritiquingNZgovernmentreportingtotheUNetc;

ActivityReportECOsubmittedonandmetwiththeUNFrameworkConventiononClimateChangeteamthatvisitedNewZealandtoreviewNewZealand’s6thNationalCommunicationongreenhousegasemissionscontrolandNewZealand’sFirstBiennialReport.ThefailureofNewZealandtocutemissions,toimplementeffectivemeasuresortoworkcooperativelyinternationallyforthesubstantialcutbacksinemissionsisamajordisappointment.ECOattendedIntergovernmentalPanelonClimateChange(IPCC)workinggroupreportsandweawaitthefurtherreportsthatarestilltocome.Theunequivocalhumanimpactsonclimateandtheurgentneedtoreduceemissionsisofvitalconcern.Wehavejoinedinthethinkingandrequestsforre-gearingtheeconomyandconsumptionandproductiontodecarbonisetheeconomy.ThistimelastyearwewerestillhopingcoalminingwouldbeturneddownontheDenistonPlateau.Insteaditwaspermitted.Thedemiseofligniteminingandslowdownofcoalmininghasbeenablessingasmarketsturneddownsharplyforcoal.Policyhoweverremainsfixatedonextractivistgrowthwithlittleregardfortheclimate.TheriseofGenerationZeroand350.orgoverthelastfewyearshasbeenanimportantdevelopmentintheclimatechangedomain,andonewewelcome.WeworkwiththeseandarangeofgroupsincludingGreenpeaceandothers,includingCoalActionandgroupsfocusedparticularlyontheminingofoilandgas.InFebruary,attheEarthlawConference,ECOcoordinatedaspecialappealtoassisttheKiribatifamilyandtheirlawyerwhotookacaseforthemintheirappealforrefugeestatusfromtheeffectsofclimatechange.Thislegalactionwasultimatelyunsuccessful,butwefeltitwasimportantthatothersassistthemandstandbesidethemintheirquestforclimatechangeimpactsinthePacifictoberecognized.2.6 WorkingGroup6:OpenGovernmentandParticipativeSocietyScope/TermsofReference:Thesearenowproposedas:Promotionanddefenceof:

1. Democraticprinciplesandprocesses,2. IndigenousRightswithinAotearoawithrespecttotetaio3. Freedomoforganisationandexpression,4. Publicparticipationandengagement,


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5. PrivacyandfreedomfromundueintrusionofthesurveillanceoftheStateandotheragenciesorcorporationsforindividualsandcivilsociety,and

6. Goodgovernance,especiallyastheserelatetoenvironmentalresponsibilityandenvironmentalrightsinNewZealand/Aotearoaandoverseas.

Amongstthespecificissuesofinterestare:7. Timelydisclosureofinformationtothepublic.8. Containmentofexecutivepower.9. Advocacyforinstitutionsthathelpmaintainanopensociety,andfortheirfunding–e.g.

Ombudsman’sOffice,OfficialInformationAct,theWaitangiTribunal.10. AdvocacyfordueprocessinParliamentandelsewhere.11. Constitutionalissuesandconstitutionalreform.12. InternationaldimensionsoftheseissuesincludingAarhusConvention,Sustainable

DevelopmentGoals(SDGs),alternativestoGNP/GDP(withWorkingGroups4or1)ProposedTermsofreference

1. Tocommunicateandeducateregardingtheimportanceofahealthydemocracyforgoodenvironmentalgovernanceandmanagement.

2. Toactasawatchdogonthehealthofourdemocracyasrelatedtothegovernanceandmanagementoftheenvironment-includingaccesstoenvironmentalinformation,participationinenvironmentaldecisionmaking,transparencyofenvironmentaldecision-making,andappropriatereviewproceduresforgovernmentdecisionsregardingtheenvironment,andtheprotectionofindigenousrightsandkaitiakitangafunctions.

3. Todocument‘democraticdeficit’inrelationtothegovernanceandmanagementoftheenvironment.

4. Topromotegoalsandgovernancethatenhancethehealthofourdemocracy.5. Tolinkwithorganisations,tangatawhenuaandothersinterestedinopendemocracy

withinNZ/Aotearoa.N.B.aswithmanygroups,theworkofthisWorkingGrouppotentiallyintersectswiththeworkofalltheotherWorkingGroups.Itsparticularroleistofocusonmeta/systemic/genericissuesortrendsratherthanthespecificissuesrelatingtoparticipation,information,processetcthataretheconcernoftheotherWorkingGroups.

ActivityReportECOhasworkedwitharangeofcivilsocietyorganisationstopromotetherestorationofdemocraticprocessesthathavebeeneroded,theopennessofsocietyandofgovernment,whileresistingthesurveillancesocietyandotheractivitiesthat“chill”freedomofexpressionandorganisation.Weparticipatedinseveralworkshopsonthis,mostrecentlytheWellingtonworkshopconferenceDemocracy,EthicsandthePublicGood,organisedbyJanRiversandothers,hostedatStAndrewsontheTerrace.


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PriortothelastECOannualconferenceECOmadeextensivesubmissionsontheGCSBandrelatedBills.WehavebeendismayedbytherecentrevelationsthattheSISappearstohavebeenusedasapartisantoolforpoliticalpurposes,asrevealedbyNickyHager’sbook,DirtyPolitics.Wearealsoconcernedthattheattackpoliticsreportedtherewillalsochillcitizenparticipation,freedomofspeech,andpoliticalparticipation,includingvoting.ECOsupports“getoutthevote”campaigns,whicheverpartymaybetherecipientofvotessomobilised.ECOisdevelopingpolicyintheremitofthisworkinggrouptoextendourconcernsaboutgoodgovernancetodueprocessfortangatawhenuaaswellasbroadercommunityparticipation.

2.7 WorkingGroup7:PolicyandPromotionofourvisionforNZandthewiderenvironment.Scope/TermsofReference:1) Development,coordinationandconsolidationofECOPolicy;

2) Non-partisanpolicyadvocacy.Non-partisancampaigntopromoteourpolicies,andourvision

forNewZealand.

3) PromotionofECO’sgoalsandobjectives,networking,democracy,dueprocess,public

participationandpoliciesfromotherworkinggroups.

4) Workingwiththeotherenvironmentallyinclinedpolicy,practiceandmessaginggroups.

5) AmessagingcampaignbasedonNZvaluesastheserelatetotheenvironmentandoursenseof

fairplay,dueprocess,de-normalisationofenvironmentalharmsandfossilfuels.

6) Gettingtogripswithevidenceonhowtounderstandandshiftattitudes,behaviour.

ActivityReportECOhasworkedhardinthisarea,incombinationwiththegroupsthatshareourinterestsinunderstandingNewZealanders’values,howpeoplerespondtodifferentpressuresandmessages.ECOhostedaninvitationonlypolicyworkshopinFebruary2014aspartoftheEarthlawconferencetodevelopourthinking(withmembersandexperts)forourpolicyandlegalagenda.ThatmeetingwasofferedtheECOpolicypaperwhichhadbeenputindrafttotheECO2013annualconferenceandwhichdrewonthatconference’sdeliberations.ThepolicypaperwasfurtherdevelopedandamendedinthelightofthediscussionsinFebruary,andattheEXECretreatinMarch2014.JennyBakerhascollatedagoodmanyofECO’spolicydecisionsgoingbackoverthedecades,andweplantoreview,reviseandrevampthesepoliciesovertheforthcomingyears.Workinginacoalitionwithothergroupsandconsultants,ECOhasco-fundedconsultantstoexaminethevaluesthatNewZealandershold,therelationshipofvaluestoattitudesandbehavioursignificanttoenvironmentalproblemsandpreferencesforactionsandpolicies.


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Wehaveinformedourselvessomewhatmoreastowhatmotivates–anddemotivates-environmentallysignificantbehaviour,includingreducingadverseimpacts,promotionofpositiveandeffectivemessaging,andmotivatingpeopletoactinenvironmentallypositiveways,suchassupportingconservationandenergyre-gearing.Wehavesoughtoutexpertsandresearchintheseareas.Particularthankstotheexpertsandresearchersinvolved.WeawaitwithinteresttheoutcomeofthecourtcaseovertheElectoralActwhichtheElectoralCommission’srulingthatnon-partisanissuebasedcampaigninghastriggered.Workinthisareacontinues.3 InternalPriorities3.1 WorkingGroup8:EngagementwithMaori&Wai262ActivityReportTherehasbeensignificantactivityontheTreatyofWaitangiinthepastyear,withproposalsforchangestotheConstitutionandcorrespondingdraftguidelinesandprotocolsforECOengagingwithtangatawhenua/Māori.TheproposedchangestotheConstitutionaretoachieveareconciliationbetweenthecurrentenvironmentalgoalsofECOandthestatedsubordinationoftheTreatytothesegoals.AproperunderstandingoftheTreatyandoftangatawhenua/Māorienvironmentalinterests,includingthewidelyrecognizedconceptofkaitiakitanga,meanthatthewellbeingandsustainablemanagementofenvironmentandecosystemsforthepurposeofachievingecologicalintegrityisasharedpriority.TheproposedchangetotheConstitutiontakesthisapproach,upholdingenvironmentalprioritieswithprovisionfortangatawhenua/Māoriandnon-MāorimembercontributionstodeterminingECOpositionsandpolicy.Proposalsforconstitutionalchangeshavebeensubmittedforattentionatthe2014AGM.Atthe2013AGM,theEngagementwithMaoriandWai262workinggroupagreedtogivefurtherimpetustotheTreatywithinECO.TheConstitutionalproposalsandthedraftProtocolsweredevelopedbyPakehaandMāorimembersoftheWorkingGroup.ThesetwodocumentshavebeencirculatedamongsttheExecutiveandmembersforcomment.EnvironmentalFutureshasalsosuppliedproposedchangestotheconstitution.BetsanMartin,co-chairofECOsinceMarchandchairofthisworkinggrouphasdonemuchwork,assistedbyGarryWatsonandothers.3.2 DevelopingaplanoverthenextyeartoincreaseECOsfundingbase;Itwasenvisagedthisplanwouldgobeyondthecurrentannualapproachinvolvingtwoannualappeals,astreetappealinWellingtonandapplicationsforgrants.Whilerevisingthisfundingapproachremainsofprimeimportance,ExechasfirstfacedrecruitmentofanewExecutiveOfficer,completedlateMay,andrestoringofficeoperations.Asaconsequencethisplanhasbeendelayedalthoughanewvolunteerassistinginthefinancialcommitteegivesusmuchhopetherewillbeasubstantialstarttothisverysoon.Inthemeantimegrantapplicationshavebeenmadeforindividualprojects,unfortunatelywithoutsuccess.TheannualStreetappealproducedreducedresultscomparedwithpreviousyearsdespiteElizabethLee’sexcellentorganisation.


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3.3 StrategicassessmentofECOincludingagreedtasksfromtheConferenceSixmembersofECOmembersand/ortheExecutive,Steffan,Elise,Graham,Garry,Catherine,andDiana,expressedinterestworkingwithExecinpromotingregionalwanangaorgatherings.Thesuccessofthe2013Arthur’sPassSummerGatheringwasseenasworthrepeating.GrahamandLynPearsonandCatherineChuenghavediscussedthepossibilitiesintheWanganui-TaranakiareawithDianaanditisintendedworkonthisshouldcontinue.Furtherworkisintendedtoconsiderhowtosupportseedfundingforsuchgatherings,andestablishprotocolsthatwillgivesomeclarityastohowtheExecandtheregionalprotagonistscanworktogetherformutualbenefit.3.4 StrengthenuseofinternalcommunicationsEliseandBarry’sworktoimprovethefunctioningoftheWebsiteMembers’ElectronicForumhasbeenthwartedbythedifficultyofdealingwithspamming.Furthermore,itwasnotclearthatthisapproachwasgenuinelyattractiveandusefulforMembers.Discussionsseldomeventuatedashoped,althoughifthesystemhadoversomethespammingproblemitcouldhavebeenpromotedmuchmore.Otheroptionswereadvised.WorkonimprovingcommunicationwithintheExecandforMembershasresultedintheintroductionofLoomioasatool.Thisisdecision-makingsoftwaretoassistgroupswithcollaborativedecision-makingprocesses.WhileExecisstillexperimentingwiththis,mostrecentlyandwithsomesuccessinthedevelopmentoftheOpenGovernmentParticipativeSocietyWorkingGroupTermsofReference,itseemsthereispotentialtousethistoolforconsultationwithMembers,Forexampleonsubmissions.AnothercommunicationinnovationhasbeenthedevelopmentofafortnightlyECO-AlertwhichhasbroughtbriefalertsanditemsofinteresttoMembersorlocalisedgroupsofMembersthroughtheelectronicnewsbrief–Tieke.3.5 Strengthenthenetworkfunctionsoftheumbrella&MembershipLiaisonSincethelastECOAGM,Exechasreviewedandrevampeditsmembershipliaisonandnetworking.DianaShandhasworkedtirelesslytocontactmembergroupsandmuchworkhasbeendoneonourdatabases.SincethePlanningWeekendattheendofMarch2014,theresponsibilityofnetworkingpersehasbeenassignedasaVice-Chairportfolioresponsibility.DianaShandhasundertakenthiswork.Sheproposesthiscontinuesasaprioritywithcommunication,policyconsultationandguidanceandregionalgatheringsbeingkeyfociiforthecomingyear.TheMayappointmentMichaelPringle,ournewExecutiveOfficer,whohasfamiliaritywithmanyofthenewsoftwareandothertools,hasalsopoweredthisrevamp.HehasinitiatedtheemailnewsletterTieketomembersandfriends,discussedabove,andhelpedustofindnewtoolsforworkingtogether.WelookforwardtomemberbodiesandFriendsjoiningusinourWorkingGroupandotherwork.TheECOExecutiveseeksfeedbackonmeasurestoimproveourliaisonwithmembersandFriendsandpotentialmembersandFriends.ECOlink(bothinhardandelectroniccopyandelectronicEco-Alerts,Tieke,willberegularandwithincreasedefforttoreflectMembers’interestsandinput.3.6CapacitybuildingandECOStructure


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Thishasbeenacrucialconcerninthelasteightmonths.ReplacingtheExecutiveOfficerhasbeenofthehighestpriorityandthedecisionhasbeenmadetoreducethehoursandusethebudgettopayanimprovedhourlyrate,whichalsomeetsthecurrentLivingWagelevels.Itwasseenthisapproachalsoallowedflexibilitywhichmightattractsomeonewithhigherqualifications.ThisapproachattractedhighqualityapplicantsandahighlysuccessfulconclusioninwhichECOhaswelcomedMichaelPringletoourmidst.Alreadyhisprofessionalapproachandexpertisehasbroughtmajorimprovementstooursystems.WerecognisefurtherworkneedstobedoneinreviewingourOfficeset-upwithitsextraordinaryresourcelibraryofdocuments.UnfortunatelyfewpeopletodayusetheResourceCentreasitwasonceused,aselectronicdocumentationanddatabaseshavemadeitalmostredundant.Howtoretainthisperhapsuniqueresourceofenvironment/conservationhistoryneedsconsideration.AndalsotobeconsideredisthedesirabilityofmovingtoamorecongenialspaceinanNGOhub.Costandmovingissueshavetobeweighed.CapacitybuildinghasalsoextendedtoconsiderationofskillsinExecitselfandagap-analysisoftheskillsandcapacitywithintheCommittee.AtthePlanningweekendtheworkloadwasspreadbymeansofamajorrestructureofresponsibilities,followingayear’sworkconsultingandproposingonthis.TherestructurecompriseddefiningandassigningCommunications,PolicyandNetworkingresponsibilitiesandgearingtheorganisationtobringinnewskillsandinvolvemembersthroughtheWorkingGroups.TheWorkingGroupsthemselveswerestrengthenedbyensuringimprovedfocusandcommitmentbymeansofrequiringTermsofReferenceandaPlanofActiontobeproducedbytheChair.WorkingGroupscanbedrawnfromempatheticexpertsevenoutsideMembershiporFriendsofECO.TheworkingofWorkingGroupsaretheresponsibilityoftheExecCommitteeandregularreportingrequired(underthePolicyPortfolio).3.7 CommunicationsECOhasanexpandingpresenceonline.BarryWeeberhaskeptECOvisible,interesting,informativeandcivilonlinewithregularpertinentpostsonECO’sfacebooksite,andcommentaryandlinkstonewscientific,policyreports,informationandotherrelevantmaterial.ECOnowhas1149followersonTwitterand973likersonFacebook.ECOmainwebsitehashadsomechangesinthelastyearbutfurtherdevelopmenthasbeenlimitedduetolackoffunds.ECOmarinesiteSeaNetisofflineafterproblemswithhostingbyWellingtonCommunityNet.Itistheintentiontobringthesitebackonlineinthecomingmonths,butwewillneedfundstoup-dateittoreflectthemanychangestomarinelawconsequentialontheExclusiveEconomicZoneandContinentalShelfAct,theworkoftheEPA,andotherchanges. ECOLinkwasdelayedthisyearbecauseofoverloadfromECO’sotherwork,andthepressofrevampingECO’sworkonsomanyfronts.Weapologiesforthat,buthopetheJuly2014editionwasinformativeandenjoyed.TiekeisthenewECOfortnightlyemailnewslettertoECOmembersandFriends.WeareverygratefultoMichaelPringleforthistimelyinformationandcommunicationwithmembers.4.0 Activities:Ongoingliaison


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4.1 MeetingswithgovernmentagenciesECOhasmetwitharangeofGovernmentagenciesoverthelastyearincluding:

- MinistryofPrimaryIndustry–aspartofthesharkandseabirdNationalPlanofAction,andtheEnvironmentalGroup;andtheForestryNationalstandardstemplate.

- DepartmentofConservationintheENGOliaisonprocessandconservationmeetings.- MinistryofForeignAffairsandTrade–onAntarctica,TPPprocesses,IWC,andSouthPacific

RegionalFisheriesManagementOrganisations(RFMO)s.4.2 ParticipationinexternalWorkingGroups ECOwasamemberof:

• TheplenarygroupoftheLandandWaterForum• VariousFisheriesWorkingGroupsandplenaries• ThesecondroundofProposedNationalEnvironmentalStandardsonPlantationForests

workinggroups.• Sub-AntarcticMarineProtectedAreasWorkingGroup.• NationalPlanofActiononSeabirdsImplementationGroup• NationalPlanofActiononSharksWorkingGroup• NZRio+20NGOPlatform.• Unionandcivilsociety-Environmentliaisonmeetings• ACommunity–UniversityliaisonforumsupportinganapplicationforaUnitedNations

UniversityRegionalCentreofExpertiseintheWaikato• TharWorkingGroup

4.3 Non-governmentalandinternationalorganisations ECOisamemberofthefollowing:International

• TheAntarcticandSouthernOceansCoalition(ASOC)• TheAntarcticOceansAlliance• TheInternationalUnionfortheConservationofNature(IUCN)• DeepSeaConservationCoalition(DSCC)• HighSeasAlliance

NewZealand• NewZealandCommitteeofIUCN-NZ• AssociationofNon-governmentOrganisationsofAotearoa(ANGOA)• ClimateDefenceNetwork(CDN)• CoalActionNetworkAotearoa(CANA)• WildRiversCoalition• The2precious2minecoalition• TheForestStewardshipCouncilNewZealandEnvironmentChamber• TheNZForestAccord.• Anallianceofgroupsworkingonmarineissues.• Anallianceofgroupsworkingonforestryissues.• NZSharkAlliance

Aswellasthese,ECOmaintainsrelationswitharangeofotherNewZealandandinternationalorganisationsonmanydomesticandinternationalenvironmentalandconservationandpublic


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policyissues.Wealsofieldandrespondifwecantonumerousrequestsforassistance,informationandnetworkingfromschoolstudents,tertiarystudents,thoseseekinginternships,andmembersofthepublicandmedia,aswellasofficialswhowantguidanceonwhichENGOsareinterestedindifferenttopics.4.4 MeetingswithMinistersandMPsandotherelectedrepresentativesandSubmissionstoParliament,togovernmentagenciesandconsentandEPAhearings:ECOhasmeetwitharangeofMPsfromaacrossthepoliticalspectruminthelastyear.ECOsubmittedtogovernmentagencies,Ministers,SelectCommitteesonarangeofdifferentmattersandlegislation. 4.5 FellowNGOs,thepublic,academics,communitiesECOisinnearconstantcontactwithlike-mindednon-governmentorganisationsonvirtuallyeveryissueweworkon.Thisisforthemostpart,mutuallysupportiveandhelpful.ItiscommonforECOtoreceiveinquiriesofmanykindsfromthepublic,frominterestedindividualsandfromschoolandtertiarystudents,academicsandfrommediaandfilmmakers.Werespondaswecananddoourbesttohelpwiththeseinquiries,topointpeopleintherightdirection,provideinformationandcontactsforthemortoprovideclarityastowhichagenciesorprocessestheymightengagewith.Helpingcommunitiesfacingproblems,oftenattacksontheirenvironmentthatothergroupsmayhavefaced,isoneofourareasofwork.Wedonothavelegalandfinancialresourcestoofferbutwearecommittedtohelpingtotheextentourresourcespermit.5.0 Activities:Outreach5.1 PublicationsThequarterlynewsletterECOlinkwaspublishedinNovember2013andinJuly2014.TherewasalongdelayinECOLinkpublicationinpartduetothelongperiodwithoutanExecutiveOfficerandtheoverloadonExecutivemembers.ECOhopestopublishatleasttwoadditionalECOLinksbeforetheendoftheyearandcatchupwithproducingfourineachyear.5.2 SeaNetTheSeaNetwebsiteisinneedofupdatingtoreflectthelegislativechangessinceitwasdeveloped.ThewebsitehasbeenaffectedbyproblemswithhostingoftheWellingtonCommunityNetandisconsequentlyoff-line.ECOintendstogetSeaNetbackupandupdatedassoonasresourcesallow.5.3 TheECOWebsiteupdateAsreportedabove,ECOhasaexpandingpresenceonline.ECOmainwebsitehashadsomechangesinthelastyearbutfurtherdevelopmenthasbeenlimitedduetolackoffunds.ECOnowhas1149followersonTwitterand973likersonFacebook.


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5.4 MediaandpubliccommentaryECOproducedseveralmediareleasesinthelastyearandisoftencontactedeitherfordirectmediacommentorforguidanceastowhommediashouldcontact.Wehaveinteractedwithbothdomesticandinternationalmediainthisway.ECOhasalsoadvisedseveralfilmmakersaboutmaterialtheyareworkingwith.ECOhasdonelessmediaworkthisyear,partlybecauseoftheoverloadofExecmembersandthelargeamountofinternaldiscussionsandreorganisation,andpartlybecauseoftheunavailabilityattimesofspokespeopleduetogeographicallocations.5.5 Projects-CommunicationsHub,Kete,website,GIStrainingTheECOdatabaseandGIStrainingmoduleshavebeenproducedandarenowliveonthewebsite,thankstotheworkofEliseSmith.ECOwouldhavelikedtohaveorganizedanumberofworkshops/huiaroundthecountrytoinformandassistmembers,friendsandcolleaguesintheuseofGISforprojects.Todatewehavenotreceivedfundingtomovethisprojectonfurther.TheExecwouldliketothankEliseSmithforherworkonthisprojectandbringingtheonlinematerialtofruition.5.6 Submissions*ECOmadethefollowingsubmissionsovertheyearJuly2013–August2014includingbutnotlimitedto:TheHealthandSafetyReformBill,9May2014EnvironmentalReportingBillApril2014Kaikōura(TeTai-o-Marokura)MarineManagementBill17April2014Trans-TasmanResourcesSouthTaranakiBightOffshoreIronSandProjectMarineConsentApplication,17December2013TheChathamRiseRockPhosphateseabedminingapplicationtotheEPA.ReviewoftheConservationBoards,totheMinisterforConservation.NumerousfisheriesandsharksrelatedmatterstotheMinistryofPrimaryIndustry.*[Notethatthislistisincomplete–apologies,wewillcompleteitlater].5.7SummerGatheringThelateAGMin2013,delayedduetoWellingtonearthquakes,meantthattherewasnoopportunitytoorganiseaSummerGatheringearlierintheyear.ThismaybepossibleinfutureyearsandECOwouldwelcomeoffersfrommemberstohostsuchagathering.6.0 AdministrationandGovernance


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6.1 ECOExecutiveCommitteeThemembersoftheExecutiveCommitteeduring2013/14included:BruceAnderson(totakeoverasTreasurer,cooptedtotheExecinJuly2014)TonyDean(ATLA,Wellington;Treasurer)ZoeHeine,Wellington(AdmincoordinatorfromMarch2014,Wellington)CatherineIornsMagallanes,WellingtonChrisLivesey(cooptedtotheExecinJune2014,WairarapaandWellington)BetsanMartin(ECOCo-chairfromMarch2014(RESPONSE,Wellington))FredMurray(FriendsofLewisPassandHurunuiCatchment,Christchurch)DianaShand(ECOVice-chair,ChristchurchandWellington)EliseSmith(NgaMotuMarineReserveSociety,Taranaki,resignedJuly2014)GaryWatson(NgaUrioteNgahereTrust,Torere,EastCoast)CathWallace(ECOCo-chairtoMarch2014/ECOvicechairfromMarch2014)Whenuakite,CoromandelPeninsulaandWellington,EnvironmentalFutures))BarryWeeber(ECOCo-chair,Wellington&Tairua,EnvironmentalFutures)RickZwaan,(OrganisationSecretary,Gecko,Wellington)WeregretthatEliseSmithresignedfromtheExecutiveCommitteeduetoovercommitmentinJuly2014,andwewishherandhervariousorganisationswellforthefuture.6.2 ECOVolunteersManythankstoallthevolunteerswhogaveuptheirtimeandexpertisetohelpECOoverthepastyear:• EliseSmithforherworkontheECOwebsite• BettyWeeber,forhelpingwithournewslettermail-out• MichelleVetal,forassistingwithadministrationtasks• ElizabethLeefororganisingtheWellingtonStreetAppealandeditingECOlink• TreasurerTonyDeanforexpertadviceontheaccountsandBruceAnderson’sfurther

insightsandrecommendations.• JennyBakerforherexcellentworkhelpingwithpolicyandthehugetaskofcompletingthe

NgunguruReport.• ZoeHeineforhercoordinationofECO’sadministrativecommitteeandmuchotherwork.• ThevariousWellingtonFriendsandotherswhovolunteeredduringtheStreetAppeal• QuentinDavies,ECO’shonorarysolicitor,who,asever,gaveusinvaluablesupport.• JimBaltaxeforITsupport.• Allthosewhocontributedtosubmissionwriting,particularlyBarryWeeber,CathWallace,

DianaShand,BetsanMartin,FredMurray,ZoeHeine.• ThevolunteerswhoproduceECOLink,includingBarryWeeber,ElizabethLee,BettyWeeber

andarangeofothervolunteers.• AllthosewhoattendedmeetingsinandoutofWellingtonwithofficials,MinistersandMPs,

industryrepsandfellownon-governmentorganisations.• Natewhohashelpedinmanywaysonmanytasks.• TheentireExecutiveCommittee,mostofwhomhaveworkedlongandhard.


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6.3ECOAdministrationECOfarewelledDebbyRosinfromtheExecutiveOfficerpositionatthe2013AnnualconferenceandsheleftWellingtonandECOforanewlifeonsomelandnearPalmerstonNorthinDecember2014.ShehashelpedoutintermittentlywithknowledgeofECO’ssystemsastheinterimExecutiveOfficergrappledwiththebackloadintheoffice.InMarch2014AlisonDavisjoinedusasinterimExecutiveOfficer,andsherapidlyrestoredorderafterthegap,helpingECOonmanyfronts,includingherecologicalspecialistknowledgeandherexpertadministration.MichaelPringlewasappointedinlateMayfromastrongfieldofapplicants,tothepermanentpositionofExecutiveOfficer.HewasinductedintotheECOpositionbyAlison,andhasprovedtobebothresourcefulandextremelywellorganised,withhisexperienceincommunicationsandworkingtoolsvastlyhelpful.ZoeHeineinMarch2014tookonthetaskofmanagingECO’sadministrativecommitteeandrelatedmattersandhasstreamlinedourmeetingsandotheraspectsofourwork.SinceMichaelPringlestartedwehaveinstalledanewonlinedatabase,CiviCrm,whichmaintainstherecordsofFriendsandMembersaswellasthoseofotherenvironmentalorganisationsaroundNewZealand.Wehaveanewaccountssystem,Xero,andwehavestartedusinganonlinediscussiontool,Loomio,forinternalandworkinggroupdiscussions.Wearelookingatthefutureoftheresourcecentreandwhatwecandowiththelibraryandarchives.7.0 ECOMembersandFriends7.1 ECOMembershipAsusualECO’smembershipebbedandflowedwithsomeorganisationscompletingtheirmissionorsimplychoosingtomoveon,andothersjoining,somenew,someold.Therecessionhasmadeitdifficultformostorganisationsandwehavenoticedanetdeclineofmembership.ECOnowhasthefollowingmemberorganisations,withatleastonemembershipapplicationpending.AppropriateTechnologyforLivingAssociationAucklandCivicTrust BayofIslandsCoastalWatchdogBayofIslandsMaritimeParkInc.BaywatchHawkesBayEnvironmentGroup BullerConservationGroupCleanStreamWaihekeClimateJusticeTaranakiCoalActionNetworkAotearoaConsciousConsumersCoromandelWatchdogofHaurakiEasternBayofIslandsPreservationSociety


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EcoMattersEnvironmentTrustEngineersforSocialResponsibilityEnvironmentalFuturesInc.FarNorthEnvironmentCentreFriendsofGoldenBayFriendsofLewisPassandHurunuiCatchmentFriendsofNelsonHavenandTasmanBayFriendsoftheEarth-NZGE-FreeNewZealandGreenpeaceNZGuardiansofPauatahanuiInletInitialVolcoTrustIslandBayMarineEducationCentreKaipatikiProjectLincolnEnvironmentGroupMarlboroughEnvironmentCentreNationalCouncilofWomenofNZNelsonEnvironmentCentreNgaUrioTeNgahereTrustNorthCanterburyBranchForest&Bird OrariRiverProtectionGroupPacificInstituteforResourceManagementRESPONSETrustSavetheOtagoPeninsulaSoilandHealthAssociationofNZSouthCoastEnvironmentSocietyStudentsforEnvironmentalActionSurfbreakProtectionSocietySustainableOtautahiChristchurch SustainableWhanganuiTrustTeArohaEarthwatchThamesCoastPreservationandProtectionSociety WellingtonBotanicalSocietyWellingtonTrampingandMountaineeringClubWestCoastBluePenguinTrustWestCoastEnvironmentNetworkWhaingaroaEnvironmentCentreYellowEyedPenguinTrust7.2 FriendsofECO


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Thenumberofsubscribingindividualsupportersor‘FriendsofECO’isapproximately130.TheExecutivewouldliketoexpandthenumberofFriendsofECOoverthecomingyear.WehaveratherhighernumbersoffriendsandfollowersonFacebookandTwitterasreportedabove.Wevalueyouallandwouldlovetoextendournetworks.8.0 Finance8.1 OverviewTonyDean(Treasurer),BruceAnderson(IncomingTreasurer),BarryWeeberandtheExecutiveOfficercomprisetheFinanceCommitteewhichreportstotheadministrationcommittee.TonyhasdevotedyearstoECO’saccountsandweareenormouslygratefulforhiswork.BruceAnderson,whohasahigh-poweredaccountingandauditingbackground,hasagreedtotakeontheTreasuringandfinancialreportingrole–subjectofcourse,tothewilloftheAGM.TheTreasurer’sReportandFinancialStatementsarepresentedseparately.WearegratefultoGillianCross,whodoesaprofessionalreviewofECO’sannualaccounts.8.2 Fundraising,GrantsandSponsorshipECOconductedaStreetAppeal,organisedbyElizabethLee,andhasregularcontributingautomaticpaymentcontributors.Weapplyforgrants,usuallyforspecificprojectsandaredelightedtoreportthattheMethodistsprovidedagrantforECOLinkandothercommunications.Ourotherapplicationsforgrantswereunsuccessful.ECOreceivedsponsorshipfromGascoigneWicksfortheECOconference,andhasreceivedanumberofdonationsfromFriendsandothers,butwestillneedtobuildupfundsandacapitalfund.8.2.1 SponsorshipECOreceivedsponsorshipforECOLink,asreportedabove,thefundingfromWWFfortheDigitalproject,andassistanceforlastyear’sAnnualConferenceandthisAnnualConferencefromGascoigneWicksofBlenheim.8.2.2 Donations,grants,giftsandfundraisingECOreceived$16,280fromWWF’sConservationInnovationFund,over2yearstosetupane-learningwebsitewithmodulesforcommunitiesandindividualstolearnhowtouseGISdatamappingforconservationprojects.Thiscanbefoundatwww.elearning.eco.org.nz.ECOalsoreceivesavarietyofgeneraldonationsandauto-donations.Thereare28autodonorswhocontributethroughregularautomaticpayments.WearegratefulforthesupportofalldonorsandparticularlytotheautodonorssincecontinuingfundsarecriticaltotheoperationofECO.ECOcontinuesitsfundraisingpartnershipwithonlineresearchpanelBuzzChannelLtd. Overall,ECOhad just sufficient income fromdonationsand fundraising in the2013/14yearwithheavysubsidiesfromExecmembers,andwearethankfultothosewhohavecontributed.However,


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ECO remains significantly under-funded and desperately needs financial help to cover increasingcosts.Donationsoftime,expertise,andmoneyandin-kindcontributionsaregreatlyappreciated.9.0 OutlookforthecomingyearAsanorganisation,ECOhasseveralchallengesahead.Mostofourmemberorganisationsfeelthemselvestobeunderconsiderablestresswiththeintensificationofenvironmentalproblems,alesseningofthefundingavailable,andaclimateofunconcernfromthegovernmentaboutmanyofthesepressingissues.Ourorganisationhassurvivedandthrivedfor43years,butweneedtoreconsider,reconfigure,adapt,renewandchange.TheECOExecutivehasfurtherconsideredhowtotacklethesechallenges.Wewillconsideranddebatepoliciesandpathwaysforthefutureandwillworktofitformtofunction.Theupcomingyear,2014-2015takesusthroughthecurrentelectionandbeyond.Itisthetimetoraiseissuesandpolicieswithpoliticalpartiesandtotrytoinfluenceallpartiesontheirenvironmentalandassociatedpolicies,andraiseissueswiththeelectorate.ECOwillneedhelptogearuptofacethechallengesahead.Itwouldbegreattohavenewpeopletobringnewskills,ideasandenergytoourwork.

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