Who are Environmental Protection and what do we do?

Greater Wellington's Environmental Protection Team manages pollution via a 24-hour, 7-day incident response service, site inspections, and targeted investigations. Greater Wellington Harbours department covers marine pollution.

The two main roles of the Environmental Protection Team are:.

1.   Responding to and investigating environmental incidents
2.   Preventing Pollution through special projects and proactive monitoring

The team consists of environmental protection officers located in Wellington and the Wairarapa. The types of incidents we respond to tend to vary between locations. Incidents in Wellington are frequently industrial malpractice and general pollution. Incidents in the Wairarapa are more rural in focus, typically involving unconsented stream works and discharges to land

When responding to incidents the role of the Environmental Protection Officer is largely one of coordination and investigation. The duty officer is able to identify the problem and organise what type of action to take to amend the problem with an appropriate organisation or authority. Investigating officers evaluate the significance of each incident, assess compliance, determine necessary action, and gather evidence and take enforcement action where appropriate.

To report an incident, phone the environmental protection team on 04 384 5708, 06 378 2484 or freephone 0800 4WGN REG (0800 496734) or email us. While you'll need to provide your name, address and phone number, your details are confidential and won't be released to other parties.

Environmental Protection duty officer taking samples