The Myth of “Clean, Green” New Zealand
World
New Zealand’s Ministry for the Environment, in its triennial environmental report, issued a stark warning about biodiversity. According to the report, 76% of freshwater fish, 68% of waterbirds, 78% of land birds, 93% of frogs, and 94% of reptiles are either at risk of extinction or already classified as threatened.
Between 2019 and 2024, monitoring of over 1,000 groundwater sites showed that nearly half failed to meet drinking water standards at least once. The main concern was the presence of E.coli bacteria — a contaminant linked to waste runoff from farms and urban areas.
“New Zealand has one of the highest proportions of threatened or at-risk species globally,” the report states. The nation’s unique biodiversity is severely impacted by land misuse, pollution, invasive plant species (particularly wilding conifers), and climate change.
In addition, excessive levels of nitrates were found in groundwater, caused by intensive agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization.
The report did highlight some positive trends, particularly in air quality. Nitrogen oxide pollution from vehicles is declining due to stricter emission standards, increased use of low-emission vehicles, and technological improvements in engines.
Dr. Mike Joy, a researcher at Victoria University in Wellington, stated:
“This report exposes the myth of ‘clean, green New Zealand’. The government must take this problem seriously.”
“We’re beginning to see improvements in some areas — such as our vehicle choices and home heating systems — which are contributing to better air quality. This also benefits public health. It shows that change is possible and that we can build on the progress already underway,” said Palmer.
“New Zealand has one of the highest proportions of threatened or at-risk species globally,” the report states. The nation’s unique biodiversity is severely impacted by land misuse, pollution, invasive plant species (particularly wilding conifers), and climate change.
In addition, excessive levels of nitrates were found in groundwater, caused by intensive agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization.
The report did highlight some positive trends, particularly in air quality. Nitrogen oxide pollution from vehicles is declining due to stricter emission standards, increased use of low-emission vehicles, and technological improvements in engines.
Dr. Mike Joy, a researcher at Victoria University in Wellington, stated:
“This report exposes the myth of ‘clean, green New Zealand’. The government must take this problem seriously.”
“We’re beginning to see improvements in some areas — such as our vehicle choices and home heating systems — which are contributing to better air quality. This also benefits public health. It shows that change is possible and that we can build on the progress already underway,” said Palmer.
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