International review for NZ freshwater

2:09 pm on 8 May 2016

New Zealand's environmental performance will come under scrutiny from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) next week, with freshwater management in the spotlight.

Pasture covered hills, lowland lake and rushes

Te Waihora - Lake Ellesmere is severely affected by nutrient run-off. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young

The environmental review team from the 34-nation Paris-based organisation is visiting the country for the first time since 2007.

The Ministry for the Environment said the purpose of the review was to identify areas where New Zealand's environmental performance could be improved.

The team will speak to ministers, central and local government officials, business leaders and iwi to get their views.

Key areas being looked at included air emissions and pollution, climate change, waste management, resource efficiency, water and biodiversity.

Freshwater management and sustainable urban development will be examined in more detail.

The OECD will publish its findings and recommendations next February.

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