Environmental Protection Authority (New Zealand)

Environmental Protection Authority
Te Mana Rauhī Taiao (Māori)
Agency overview
Formed1 July 2011
JurisdictionNew Zealand
HeadquartersWellington, New Zealand
Minister responsible
  • Hon Penny Simmonds
Agency executives
  • Dr. Allan Freeth, Chief Executive
  • Julie Hardaker, Chair of the Board
Websitewww.epa.govt.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA; Māori: Te Mana Rauhī Taiao) is a New Zealand government agency (Crown entity/agent). It is New Zealand's national-level environmental regulator. Its vision is "an environment protected, enhancing our way of life and the economy."

As a Crown agent under the Crown entity model, the EPA operates at arm’s length from Ministers. Its independence in decision making is protected by statute and the established governance structures. A letter of expectations is issued annually by its responsible Ministers which, within the context of its independence, sets out the broad expectations of the Government of the day.