This book details a case study in New Zealand new environmentalism with a fresh perspective and original analytical framework that distinguish it from extant 'state of the environment' publications that review only selected environmental issues and responses.

This book explains the role of New Zealand's environmental agencies and regulatory legislation, taking in the impact of international agreements and treaties. It traces the fortunes of sustainable policy approaches and analyzes the activities of the public agencies charged with managing the environment. Moving on to a detailed thematic status report on New Zealand's environment, it examines rural, freshwater, coastal, oceanic, atmospheric and urban zones. Finally, chapters detail public perceptions and normative environmental values as well as the depth of business commitment to environmental responsibility. An ideal introduction to the topic for a diverse range of scholars, the book eschews any specific theoretical framework in charting the recent evolution, current operation and future trajectory of environmentalism in New Zealand. It backs strategic advice with both social and ecological data, and raises questions over the country's reputation for greenness at the same time as recognizing its numerous achievements. With neat summaries of key issues at the end of each chapter, expansive guidance on further reading, and a multitude of examples ideal for classroom debate, this volume gives us an informed, objective, and wide-ranging appraisal on a topic of increasing centrality in the policy debate.

Presents an inclusive national case study in new environmentalism assessing New Zealand's green credentials Includes a wealth of case studies and discussion points that invite further exploration and classroom debate A concise study guide summarizing key issues and suggesting further reading concludes each chapter Interdisciplinary text accessible to lecturers and undergraduates studying environmental management in a range of academic contexts

Autorentext
Chris de Freitas is an associate professor in the School of Environment, University of Auckland and Martin Perry is an associate professor in the School of Management, Massey University (Wellington).

Klappentext

New Zealand's environment, so widely celebrated for its beauty and relative integrity, requires wise stewardship in establishing the sustainable development needed for the long-term public good. How well is it fulfilling these aims? This study assesses how far the nation has lived up to the imperatives of a new public environmentalism that closely monitors increased pressure on resources, tracks business and state-sector environmental performance through sensitive performance indices, and expects environmental and economic goals to harmonise, not conflict.

The book explains the role of New Zealand's environmental agencies and regulatory legislation, taking in the impact of international agreements and treaties. It traces the fortunes of sustainable policy approaches and analyzes the activities of the public agencies charged with managing the environment. Moving on to a detailed thematic status report on New Zealand's environment, it examines rural, freshwater, coastal, oceanic, atmospheric and urban zones. Finally, chapters detail public perceptions and normative environmental values as well as the depth of business commitment to environmental responsibility. An ideal introduction to the topic for a diverse range of scholars, the book eschews any specific theoretical framework in charting the recent evolution, current operation and future trajectory of environmentalism in New Zealand. It backs strategic advice with both social and ecological data, and raises questions over the country's reputation for greenness at the same time as recognizing its numerous achievements. With neat summaries of key issues at the end of each chapter, expansive guidance on further reading, and a multitude of examples ideal for classroom debate, this volume gives us an informed, objective, and wide-ranging appraisal on a topic of increasing centrality in the policy debate.

Inhalt

Preface.- 1. The New Zealand Environment.- 2. Alternative Approaches to Environmental Management.- 3. Agencies and Laws.- 4. Principles and Indicators.- 5. The Land.- 6. Freshwater.- 7. Ocean and Coast.- 8. The Air.- 9. Urban Environment.- 10. Reflections and Prospects.- Index.