Regulating for environmental improvement in the New Zealand forestry sector

Abstract

Interest in the role of regulation in support of environmental imperatives and sustainability more generally has corresponded with a broader academic curiosity about evolving regulatory contexts. In this respect, there is a discernible trend towards a re-balancing of the regulatory mix towards an increasing emphasis on private regulation, corresponding with a withdrawal of the state and market liberalism. In the re-regulation of the environment, the issue arises as to what balance should be struck between public and private influences. In determining this mix, firms are concerned with issues of economic efficiency and competitiveness, while governments are focussed on institutional effectiveness. The overriding concern, though, should be with environmental quality. The paper addresses issues of re-regulation and particularly the shift towards an increasing emphasis on private regulation. The context for the work is the regulation of the New Zealand (NZ) forest industry and specifically preferences within the industry for a greater reliance on self-regulation in respect of the environment.