Further government support for the Environmental Risk Management Authority was welcomed today by ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive Dr Bas Walker.

"We are pleased the Government has recognised the public interest component of processing applications for hazardous substances and new organisms. When we consulted on draft fees and charges earlier this year, applicants had real concerns about having to foot most of the bill. This decision means there will be a better balance between the public and private interests involved," said Dr Walker.

Dr Walker said that the extra funding would go into operating costs such as public notices in newspapers to advertise when applications are received; processing submissions; and holding public hearings.

The Authority started work in July last year, controlling the introduction of new plants and animals to New Zealand. It will start making decisions on new hazardous substances, when provisions of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act come into effect – which could be any time after mid November this year. It will officially notify its charges and publish a pricing schedule in mid October.Dr Walker also announced a decision on the cost of reviewing existing hazardous substances, under transitional provisions in the Act.This includes things like legally used dangerous goods, explosives, poisons and pesticides.

There are around 115,000 notified toxic substances that will have to be individually assessed, to check that they meet HSNO requirements. Those that do will be automatically ‘transferred’ to become approved substances under the Act. But others will require a detailed assessment.

"We consulted with industry earlier this year on options for funding this transfer work. At that stage, there was reluctance to load further costs on industry but it wasn’t clear how else it could be funded. There is now a firm commitment from the Minister to provide for extending the ‘transition’ period for as long as five years. Given this time frame and the continuation of existing funding, ERMA New Zealand is confident that it will be able to fund its own costs in running the transfer programme. However, it will depend on industry coming forward and providing information to do the assessments," said Dr. Walker.

Together, these funding announcements are good news for all those involved in the hazardous substance side of the Act. It will make a positive platform for the successful start up of the Act.

"ERMA New Zealand is an independent crown entity. It has a total budget of around $6.5 million in 1999/2000. Prior to today’s announcement, 30% of the cost of HSNO decision making was covered by the government. The remainder comes from fees and charges to applicants".

For further information
Dr. Bas Walker Karen Cronin Chief Executive Communications Manager ERMA New Zealand
ERMA New Zealand
Ph. 04 473 8426
Ph. 04 496 4826
or 021 674 952