Ministry for the Environment statement: Hugh Logan
Hugh Logan today announced his resignation as Chief Executive of the Ministry for the Environment. He will leave the job
on the 1st of February.
Mr Logan said he was proud of what the Ministry had achieved, under his leadership, in changing environmental policies
in the 18 months he had been in the role: “We have made significant progress on issues such as climate change, emissions
trading, waste management, energy policy, and a suite of other sustainability programmes.”
He added that he was also pleased with how the work of conservation had been advanced in New Zealand in his nine years
leading the Department of Conservation.
Mr Logan said that recent events had created a situation where the Ministry needed a fresh start if it is to be able to
focus effectively on the critical changes needed in environmental management in New Zealand.
“We have had a rough few months. There have been mistakes made in managing employment situations and communications with
the Minister. Where these have occurred, I have been prepared to take the responsibility, apologise, and put things
right.”
Mr Logan said that while he did not accept all the criticisms that had been made, the bigger issue was not to distract
the Ministry from the really important job that has to be done. The actions needed to move New Zealand to environmental
sustainability are too important, too extensive, and too pressing to be compromised by our being bogged down in issues
such as these.
“New Zealanders really need their Ministry for the Environment to be totally committed to this work. My intention is
that my resignation will bring these issues to a close and clear the way for the Ministry to get on with the tasks
required. There is a lot of critical work to be done. I wish my colleagues all the best in those endeavours.”
Note: This is the only statement Mr Logan intends to make on this matter. He does not wish to be interviewed.
ENDS