Episode 59 – How the Government can support catchment-level solutions
In this episode, Sarah delves into an in-depth discussion with Geoff Simmons, Chief Economist for the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. The conversation focuses on the report Going with the Grain: Changing Land Uses to Fit a Changing Landscape, which was published in May 2024. Geoff highlights the importance of adopting a catchment-level approach to land use changes, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all national regulation.
Guest:
- Geoff Simmons, Chief Economist of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment
Host:
– Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide
Geoff Simmons, Chief Economist at the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, discusses the challenges and opportunities of changing land use in response to environmental pressures. With expertise in economic and environmental policy, the conversation explores how New Zealand can balance economic growth with sustainability in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and evolving farming practices. The discussion highlights innovative solutions such as regenerative agriculture, native forest restoration, and carbon farming, as well as the role of science-driven decision-making in shaping land-use policies. Geoff also examines the complexities of aligning government regulations, business interests, and community needs to create a more resilient future. The conversation touches on the importance of long-term strategies to ensure that land use changes support both productivity and ecological health, while emphasising the need for collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and local communities to drive sustainable progress in New Zealand’s landscapes.
