What's new

  • Consultation on updating HS regulations « 18 November 2009 « ERMA New Zealand, in conjunction with the Ministry for the Environment, is calling for public submissions on proposals to amend the hazardous substances classification framework under the HSNO Act to reflect the current United Nations Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).A discussion paper will be available for public comment from 18 November 2009 until 19 February 2010.
  • Five-year phase out for AZM insecticide « 6 November 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has released its decision regarding AZM insecticide. The insecticide azinphos methyl is to be phased out over five years. In its decision, the Authority revoked three approvals to import, manufacture or use AZM formulations not currently in use New Zealand.
  • Submissions sought on AgResearch application « 6 November 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is calling for submissions on an application by AgResearch to conduct GM research on goats, sheep and cows in containment at its Ruakura research facility.The research aims to learn more about gene function, milk composition and disease resistance.
  • ERMA wants public input on review of methyl bromide « 5 November 2009 « ERMA New Zealand is calling for public submissions on its reassessment of the fumigant methyl bromide.The application for reassessment is being released today for public submission and includes a preliminary recommendation for tighter controls on the use of the substance.A final decision will be made in mid-late 2010 once the application, public submissions and any other information relevant to the reassessment has been considered by the Environmental Risk Management Authority. Home Page - http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/archives/media-releases/2009/mr-20091105.html
  • Endosulfan disposal reminder « 27 October 2009 « ERMA New Zealand is reminding people that all stocks of the prohibited insecticide endosulfan must be safely disposed of by 17 January 2010. Home Page - http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/archives/media-releases/2009/mr-20091027.html
  • Application to Amend Group Standards « 21 October 2009 « ERMA New Zealand Consideration Paper. Application to Amend Group Standards - Extension of Alternative Labelling Provisions. Home Page - http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/hs/groupstandards/amendment.html
  • Organic Peroxides,Toxic[6.1],Corrosive Group Standard 2009 « 16 October 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has released a new Group Standard which comes into force on the 12 November 2009. The Group Standard is the Organic Peroxides, Toxic [6.1], Corrosive Group Standard 2009.
  • Modified reassessment LPG,Propane and Butane « 9 October 2009 « The LPG Association of NZ Inc has submitted an application for the modified reassessment of LPG, Propane and Butane. The submission period has opened on this reassessment and will close on 23 November 2009.
  • CE intiated reassessment LPG,Propane and Butane « 9 October 2009 « CE intiated application for the modified reassessment of specific aspects of the approvals for LPG, Propane and Butane has been prepared by the staff of ERMA New Zealand on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Environmental Risk Management Authority.
  • Consultation- Pyrotechnic Approved Handler Assessment Forms « 9 October 2009 « ERMA New Zealand is seeking input from interested parties on Outdoor Pyrotechnic Display Approved Handler Assessment Forms.
  • Yearly Chemical Review « 9 October 2009 « Consultation on a review of the classifications of up to 40 chemicals is now underway at ERMA New Zealand. Application documents can be found on the ERMA New Zealand website.
  • Chemical Safety in the Workplace « 5 October 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has published a workbook titled "Chemical Safety in the Workplace" a step-by-step guide. ERMA New Zealand welcomes feedback about the workbook.
  • Call for submissions on priority list of hazardous substances for reassessment « 24 September 2009 « ERMA New Zealand is seeking public input into a revised list of hazardous substances it considers priorities for reassessment.
  • New biological control agent to control woolly nightshade « 17 September 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved an application to introduce the lace bug Gargaphia decoris to control the weed woolly nightshade.
  • Methyl Bromide Reassessment « 11 August 2009 « ERMA New Zealand is pleased to report that work on the reassessment of fumigant methyl bromide is well under way. To read more about the steps involved in the process, the expected timeline and background to the reassessment, visit the methyl bromide section of the website.(http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/methyl bromide/)
  • Yearly Chemical Review Grounds Decision « 6 August 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has completed the 2009 Yearly Chemical Review: To establish whether there are sufficient grounds to justify a reassessment of the substances listed in schedule 1.
  • Group Standard Amendment « 5 August 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has completed the Summary of Submissions for a proposed amendment to the group standards. This amendment has been requested by ACCORD Australasia Ltd ("the applicant"). The proposal affects a number of the group standards published by ERMA New Zealand on 1 July 2006.
  • Notice of Hearings - Azinphos-Methyl and Biological Control Agent « 24 July 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is holding a hearing commencing at 9.00am on Tuesday 12 May 2009 at their offices, Level 1 BP House, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington on an application by Environment Bay of Plenty to: Import and release from containment the lace bug Gargaphia decoris (Hemiptera, Tingidae) as a biological control agent for the weed woolly nightshade. The hearing is open to the public, though only the applicant and those that have made a submission to be heard can participate.
  • How to obtain a CSL licence « 1 July 2009 « With a Controlled Substance Licence now being required for people to possess explosives, ERMA New Zealand has released a question and answer page together with the new licence forms.
  • Controlled substances licence required for explosives « 8 June 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has decided that people who possess certain types of explosives must undergo a Police check.This check is a key requirement in obtaining a controlled substances licence.
  • Submissions sought on Zinc Phosphide « 8 June 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is calling for submissions on an application by Leeston company Pest-Tech to import or manufacture microencapsulated zinc phosphide. The zinc phosphide will be used to manufacture a paste for use as a vertebrate toxic agent (poison) for ground control of pests, with its main target being the brush tail possum.
  • Authority revokes Approvals « 14 May 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has revoked approvals for the import, manufacture and use of the herbicide methylarsinic acid (MSMA) in New Zealand. MSMA is an arsenic-based, persistent agrichemical used to control paspalum and kikuyu in fine turf. It has the potential to accumulate in the environment and to impact on human health.
  • Hearing « 28 April 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is holding a hearing commencing at 9.00am on Tuesday 12 May 2009 at their offices, Level 1 BP House, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington on an application for:"the modified reassessment of certain explosives. The addition of a control requiring persons in possession of certain explosives to hold a controlled substances licence. To obtain a licence, a person must be "fit and proper.
  • Submissions sought on Application NOR08003 « 27 April 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) is seeking submissions on Application NOR08003 to import for release the lace bug Gargaphia decoris to be used as a biological control for the weed woolly nightshade. Submissions opened on Monday 27 April and close on Tuesday 9 June.
  • Review of current Fees and Charges Schedule. « 15 April 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) is considering implementing changes to its current Fees and Charges Schedule. Notice of the proposed changes is given pursuant to section 21 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. Your feedback is highly valued and the proposed fee changes will not be finalised until all submissions are considered.
  • Consultation on Cosmetic Standards Amendments « 31 March 2009 « Under Part 6A of the Hazardous Substances and New Organism Act, ERMA New Zealand wishes to begin public consultation on several proposed changes to Group Standards that were printed in 2006. ERMA New Zealand proposes to amend the Cosmetic Products Group Standard in order to take into account changes in the EU Cosmetics Directive and also to correct minor technical errors.
  • Approved Handler Test Certificate Renewals « 26 March 2009 « The first Approved Handler Test Certificates are now coming up for renewal. ERMA New Zealand has brought together information on renewals in a new microsite which can be accessed either through http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/approvedhandlers/ or through the Hazardous Substances home page http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/hs/index.html
  • 1080 Home Page « 25 March 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has brought together reports on aerial 1080 operations, best practice guidelines and other relevant information in a new 1080 microsite. The site is accessed either through http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/1080/ or through the Hazardous Substances home page http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/hs/index.html
  • Endosulfan Use Prohibited « 15 December 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has revoked the approvals for the insecticide endosulfan and prohibited its importation, manufacture and use in New Zealand. The Authority?s decision will come into effect on 16 January 2009, 28 days after publication of a notice in The New Zealand Gazette on Thursday 18 December. The Authority has also specified requirements for safe disposal of the chemical within 12 months.
  • ERMA New Zealand Risk Analyst Honoured « 8 December 2008 « Janet Gough, the principal policy analyst with ERMA New Zealand, has been named President Elect of the Australian and New Zealand Regional Organisation of the Society for Risk Analysis. She will spend one year in that role before assuming the Presidency in 2009.
  • ERMA approves GM Alliums field test « 27 November 2008 « An application from Crop and Food Research to field test genetically modified vegetables of the allium family has been approved by ERMA New Zealand. The application was to test over 10 years GM onions, spring onions, garlic and leeks to study their agronomic performance in field conditions and to assess their environmental impact. A feature of the trial is that some of the onions are allowed to flower and produce seed.
  • Submissions sought on proposed Organic Peroxides Group Standard « 19 November 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is seeking public submissions on the proposal to issue the Organic Peroxides, Toxic [6.1], Corrosive Group Standard 2009.
  • ERMA Approves GM Equine Flu Vaccines « 19 November 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved an application to conditionally release two genetically modified vaccines for equine influenza, subject to strict conditions.
  • Minor amendment to the AgResearch approvals « 17 November 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (the Authority) has made a minor amendment to the AgResearch field test approvals (GMF98009 Part I and II) granted in November 1999 and May 2001 respectively, that allowed AgResearch to conduct contained field tests involving GM cattle.
  • Submissions sought on Methodology « 24 October 2008 « The current Methodology Order was prepared in 1998 ? before ERMA New Zealand had considered any hazardous substance or new organism applications. Since 1998 there have also been a number of significant amendments to the HSNO Act.In order to reflect the benefit of ten years of experience and to provide for the amendments to the Act ERMA New Zealand has prepared a proposed revised Methodology.
  • Amendments made to 1080 decision « 8 October 2008 « The Authority has approved a number of amendments which were considered minor in effect or corrections to minor or technical errors under section 67A of the HSNO Act.For convenience purposes, the Agency has created a controls document. Please be aware that this document is an information resource only. If there is any uncertainty over the legal interpretation of what is required, please refer to the updated decision which can be found from the above link.
  • Consultation on Gas Mixtures Group Standards Amendments « 8 October 2008 « ERMA New Zealand is consulting on proposed amendments to the Compressed Gas Mixtures Group Standards.As the proposed amendments are considered to be of a technical nature, the consultation period has been reduced to 10 working days and submissions must be received before 5pm Wednesday 22 October 2008.
  • Endosulfan ERMA reassessment « 6 October 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority plans to hold a two-day public hearing from Tuesday 21 October 2008 in Wellington to hear the views of over 40 people and organisations on the use of the insecticide endosulfan.
  • ERMA Report on Equine Influenza Available « 23 September 2008 « ERMA New Zealand's Evaluation and Review Report on the application to import and use, under controlled conditions, a live genetically modified virus vaccine to protect horses against Equine Influenza has been published and is available on the organisation's website, www.ermanz.govt.nz.
  • Notice of Hearing - Wellington 7 October 2008 « 17 September 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is holding a hearing on an application by the New Zealand Racing Board and the New Zealand Equine Health Association Incorporated to:"gain approval to import for release genetically modified vaccines (Proteqflu and Proteqflu Te) to protect horses against Equine Influenza."
  • Three more Hazardous Chemicals up for review « 11 September 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has decided there are grounds to reassess the risks and benefits of the continued use of three more hazardous chemicals in New Zealand. The three chemicals being reassessed are part of a strategic hazardous substances review and reassessment programme, which aims to reduce risk to people and the environment.
  • Notice of Hearing - Wellington 18 September 2008 « 9 September 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is holding a hearing commencing at 10.00am on Thursday 18 September 2008 at BP House, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington, on an application by Bayer New Zealand Limited to:"import and release CheckMite+ as a treatment for Varroa mite in beehives". The hearing is open to the public, though only the applicant and those that have made a submission to be heard can participate.
  • Update to Proposed Changes to Regulation of GM Crop Management « 21 August 2008 « Submissions on the proposal for new regulations for the management of genetically modified crops under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act have now closed. A total of 635 submissions were received during the consultation period.
  • Minor Amendment to Approval « 7 August 2008 « ERMA New Zealand has received an application from AgResearch for a minor amendment to their approvals for field testing genetically modified cattle (applications GMF98009 Part I and Part II).
  • Erma Receives GM Animals Applications « 7 August 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has received four related applications from AgResearch Ltd to conduct wide-ranging genetic modification research of animals in scientific containment facilities. General Manager New Organisms Dr Libby Harrison said the applications covered the laboratory testing of cell lines and smaller species of genetically modified animals as well as the outdoor testing of larger species. The animals include cows, goats, sheep, possums and hamsters, among others.
  • New Code of Practice for firework displays « 31 July 2008 « The purpose of the code is to ensure the safe handling of pyrotechnics and the safe and practical management of outdoor pyrotechnic displays. It is designed to assist people involved in all aspects of outdoor displays to understand their obligations under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms regulations.
  • Proposed changes to Regulation of GM Crop Management « 31 July 2008 « Proposals for new regulations for the management of genetically modified crops under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act are open for public input. The proposed regulations were announced by Environment Minister Trevor Mallard today.
  • Public Hearing on GM Horse Flu Vaccine « 30 July 2008 « A public hearing on an application to use a genetically modified equine influenza vaccine has been scheduled by ERMA New Zealand for mid September in Wellington. Public submissions on the application have now closed. Acting General Manager New Organisms Geoff Ridley said a total of 29 submissions on the New Zealand Racing Board and the Equine Health Association application to import the Proteqflu and Protecqflu Te vaccines which contain a GM virus.
  • GM Allium Report Released « 28 July 2008 « ERMA New Zealand has today released an Evaluation and Review Report on a Crop and Food Research application to field test genetically modified (GM) plants of the allium family. The application is to test in containment GM onion, spring onion, leek and garlic plants to assess their performance in the field and their environmental impact.
  • Amended Group Standards for Cosmetics « 24 July 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has released amended Group Standards for Cosmetics.
  • ERMA New Zealand to reassess Methyl Bromide. « 22 July 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has decided that valid grounds exist for the reassessment of the fumigant methyl bromide ? the first step in a process that will determine if it can continue to be used in New Zealand.
  • Shaun Ogilvie appointed to the Authority. « 18 July 2008 « ERMA New Zealand is pleased to announce that a new member to the Authority has been appointed.
  • Media Release - Final Step to Ban PCP « 17 July 2008 « The insecticide and fungicide pentachlorophenol (PCP) has had its approvals formally revoked by the Environmental Risk Management Authority following a reassessment of its risks and benefits.
  • Proposal for minor or technical amendments to approvals to 1080 « 17 July 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) wishes to advise that in accordance with the Authority's policy regarding informing the public of certain minor or technical amendment applications. Under section 67A of the HSNO Act, the Authority may amend an approval if it considers that the alteration is minor in effect or corrects a minor or technical error.
  • Re-notification of Application for Biological Control of Tradescantia. « 3 July 2008 « ERMA New Zealand is re-advertising an application to import and release a Brazilian beetle to control the weed Tradescantia fluminensis, commonly known as wandering willie. Expert taxonomic research had shown that the beetle should be called Neolema ogloblini rather than Lema obscura, noting that both species are extremely similar in appearance and biology.
  • ERMA New Zealand seeks views on ENDOSULFAN « 30 June 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) is calling for public submissions on the continued use of the insecticide endosulfan. ERMA New Zealand initiated a reassessment of endosulfan following the imposition of tighter restrictions or withdrawal of endosulfan from the market in Australia, the United States and Europe.
  • GM Horse Flu vaccine application « 17 June 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) has received an application from the equine industry to use a genetically modified (GM) vaccine to protect New Zealand horses against the equine influenza virus.
  • ERMA New Zealand plans GM crops hearing « 5 June 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority expects to hold a public hearing in Christchurch in August or September to hear oral submissions on the New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research?s application to field test a range of genetically-modified vegetable species.
  • Amendment to GMF99001 and GMF99005 Approved « 28 May 2008 « The Forest Research Institute (trading as Scion) applied for a minor amendment to its approvals for the field testing of genetically modified pine and spruce trees (GMF99001 and GMF99005). These minor amendments have been approved.
  • New User Guide Thresholds and Classifications Published « 16 May 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority have published a new User Guide titled "User Guide to the Thresholds and Classifications under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996". The documents are available as PDF, Word and also published as an e-book. Hard copies and a CD are also available on request.
  • Amendment to GMF99001 and GMF99005 « 6 May 2008 « The Forest Research Institute (trading as Scion) has applied for a minor amendment to its approvals for the field testing of genetically modified pine and spruce trees (GMF99001 and GMF99005).
  • Application to field test genetically modified onions Leeks and Garlic « 11 April 2008 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has received an application from the New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research to field test genetically-modified onions, spring onions, garlic and leeks.
  • Database for Reporting to the Authority after an Aerial 1080 Application « 1 April 2008 « The decision on the reassessment of 1080 was notified in August 2007. As part of the additional controls imposed by the Authority, a written report must be submitted to the Authority on all operations involving the aerial application of 1080. This requirement is in response to the concerns expressed by many submitters in relation to the aerial application of 1080 and will provide a central database of information on aerial 1080 operations.
  • User Guide to Thresholds and Classifications « 31 March 2008 « The User Guide to Thresholds and Classifications under the HSNO Act has been revised (March 2008) and is now available in hard copy. Please contact publicationinfo@ermanz.govt.nz to order a copy. An electronic version and CD will be available shortly and published on the ERMA New Zealand website.
  • Request for Proposals « 25 March 2008 « ERMA New Zealand is in the process of evaluating the relevance to New Zealand of the OECD ESD for Antifouling Paints and Wood Preservatives.We are now seeking expert advice. The requests for proposal sets out our requirements for this work.
  • New Chair Appointed « 6 March 2008 « Environment Minister Trevor Mallard is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Woods as the new chair of the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA). Mr Woods will start his three year term on 11 April and replaces Neil Walter who has served for five years.
  • Inventory of chemicals updated « 22 February 2008 « The New Zealand Inventory of Chemicals (NZIoC) has been updated with the recent notifications. Forty four new chemicals have been added to the NZIoC in this update. Please refer to the ERMA New Zealand web site for these updates.
  • Authority clarifies AgResearch GM Approvals « 14 January 2008 « Recent reports have suggested that AgResearch might obtain an amendment to its current genetically modified cattle approvals so that it can move the animals around the country. Furthermore, the stories suggest that this application will not be open to public consultation. These reports are incorrect.
  • Proposals for Amendments to HS Fireworks Regs « 21 December 2007 « ERMA New Zealand is now formally seeking submissions on the proposals for changes to the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001.
  • Request for Proposal - COP Outdoor Pyrotechnic Displays. « 21 December 2007 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) has issued a Request for Proposal to develop a Code of Practice for Outdoor Pyrotechnic Displays.
  • Authority Approves Application to bring in Horse Flu Vaccine. « 21 December 2007 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) has approved an application by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand (MAF BNZ) to use a vaccine to protect New Zealand horses against the equine influenza virus.
  • AgResearch Amendment Approved « 20 December 2007 « Lay summary of the AgResearch Amendment
  • 1080 Coordinator appointed « 19 December 2007 « ERMA New Zealand has appointed a person to coordinate the management of the 1080 watch list and the implementation of the recommendations of the reassessment decision.
  • HSNO Chemical Classification Database « 14 December 2007 « ERMA New Zealand has launched the new HSNO Chemical Classification Database (CCID) today. The purpose of this database is to provide information on the classification of chemicals
  • New Searchable NZIoC database « 14 December 2007 « ERMA New Zealand has announced that the New Zealand Inventory of Chemicals (NZIoC) page has been updated to include a searchable database.
  • Briefing for Minister « 12 December 2007 « ERMA New Zealand has today sent a briefing to the new incoming Minister, the Hon Trvor Mallard.
  • Horse Flu Vaccine « 5 December 2007 « The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand (MAF BNZ) has lodged an application to use a vaccine to protect New Zealand horses against the equine influenza virus, the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) announced today.
  • Annual Report « 16 November 2007 « ERMA New Zealand has released the Annual Report as tabled in Parliament on the 14th November 2007. Hard Copies are available on application.
  • Summary of Approvals Documents « 12 November 2007 « ERMA New Zealand has made some minor changes to the approvals for substances made by way of Transfer Notices published by the New Zealand Gazette Office. These notices detailed the classifications and controls for all substances transferred under the notice. However, since their publication, a number of minor amendments have been made to these approvals.
  • Group Standards for Graphic Materials « 2 November 2007 « ERMA New Zealand is releasing for consultation a new Group Standard for Graphic Materials. This group standard will be targeted at managing crayons, finger paints and children?s water colour paints in particular.
  • Fireworks Site « 25 October 2007 « ERMA New Zealand in conjuction with the NZ Police, NZ Fire Service and the Ministry for the Environment have launched a website to promote safety and detail the new laws pertaining to sales and storage of fireworks.
  • Genetically Modified Cattle « 25 October 2007 « AgResearch have applied for a minor amendment to their approval for the outdoor development of genetically modified cattle (application GMD02028).
  • 1080 Update October 2007 « 19 October 2007 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) welcomes progress being made on further research into the effects of 1080 following its decision to allow continued aerial use of the pesticide.
  • Notice of Hearing - Reassesment of Distance Ant Bait « 10 October 2007 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is to hold a hearing on an application by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand (MAF BNZ)
  • New Management Regime for 1080 « 13 September 2007 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) has begun setting up the new management regime for the pesticide 1080.
  • Code of Practice ISO 11119-1 for consultation « 11 September 2007 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority Code of Practice for Gas Cylinders of Composite Construction Designed to ISO 11119-1 open to consultation
  • GM Onion Research - Rules Not Breached « 10 September 2007 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) says Crop and Food Research has not breached biosecurity rules in its research involving genetically modified (GM) onions.

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