Emerging contaminants (ECs) are natural or manufactured chemicals that are not commonly managed. The use and discharge of ECs are poorly understood and largely unmonitored in Aotearoa-NZ but the potentially can pose a risk to our biodiversity, land-based food production and processing, and our fishing and aquaculture industries. There is increasing concern about the potential of ECs to threaten the health and well-being of our people and unique ecosystems.
The concept of an Aotearoa-NZ strategy started life from a group of scientists, experts and community leaders within the context of iwi partnership that brought together Māori and Pākehā knowledge. It was acknowledged by this group that we needed to move beyond a purely reactive approach to ECs and other pollutants and consider alternative methods and approaches to manage their risks. This group ultimately formed the basis of the National Emerging Contaminants Advisory Panel (NAP) formed under the MBIE endeavour funded emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) programme with the strategy development aided by Envirolink and Royal Society Catalyst funding.
The vision formed by this group to help drive the strategy development and consequent goals was: Whakahaumarutia to tātou taiao i te aranga ake o ngā tāwahawaha kikino - A healthy Aotearoa-NZ safeguarded against emerging contaminants
Since 2009 we have built on the Hui and reports that had been instigated by researchers and resource managers, working in partnership with Māori in conjunction with government officials, industry and other key thought leaders. From this it was proposed that the vision for Aotearoa NZ would be achieved through realising three goals encompassing communication, research and leadership underpinning the current strategy. This presentation will traverse the history and current approach to implementation as we navigate both our treaty partnership and government.