Terms of Reference

The NZLUSG Terms of Reference (ToR) outline the group’s purpose, structure, responsibilities, and operating principles. They define how decisions will be made, how updates to NZLUM will be governed, and how external stakeholders may contribute.

The ToR was co-developed through consultation at a December 2024 seminar and through written feedback from agencies and stakeholders.

1. Purpose

1. The purpose of the Land-use Data Advisory Group is to promote the development of standardised, comprehensive land-use and land management data across New Zealand to better serve the needs of central and regional government, industry and land managers.

2. Scope

1. Forming a national advisory body providing leadership, vision, and strategic direction in the development and coordination of land-use and land management information across New Zealand

2. Advising and reviewing the production of high-quality, integrated geospatial land-use and land management information, that meets the needs of the public and policy makers who require comprehensive and timely land-use information for a variety of purposes.

3. Objectives

1. Maintain the framework for a NZ standard land use classification including the collation, management, and dissemination of land-use data and mapping products.

2. Provide guidance for national consistency in the development, access, and maintenance of geospatial data and products related to land-use, and land management practices.

3. Promote the development of national standards and methodologies for spatial land-use data collection, management, and sharing, ensuring alignment with New Zealand’s natural resource management goals and policies.

4. Membership

4.1. Chair

1. The chair may rotate; beginning with a representative of the Ministry for the Environment.

2. As a member of the Group, the Chair will have the skills, experience and knowledge expected of members. Ideally, the Chair should have experience of governance.

4.2 Members

1. Members will self-nominate and then be selected by the chair for their skills, experience and knowledge of working in sectors that utilise or generate land use and land management data.

2. Membership may encompass the public and private sector, and specifically includes central and regional government as well as research institutions. The membership is presently yet to be determined and may change over time.

3. Members may decide to leave at their own discretion, but otherwise may remain a member indefinitely.

5. Secretariat

1. Secretariat funding is provided by Ministry for the Environment until June 2026, and is yet to be determined thereafter.

2. The secretariat ensure meetings are scheduled, minuted, that minutes are distributed to members, and that meeting agenda are shared at least three days prior to the meeting.

3. The secretariat keeps a record of the decisions and activities of the Group.

4. From time to time, the secretariat will undertake public-facing communication of the group’s activities.

6. Meetings

1. Meetings take place twice a year, with one in-person meeting annually.

2. decisions will be made by a majority vote, with the Chair having a casting vote if necessary. Consensus should be sought where possible.

3. Ad hoc Working Groups may be created to undertake specific tasks between meetings as needed. Working groups are disbanded once the task is complete.

7. Fees and reimbursements

1. As members act as representatives of their organisation, the cost of participation is to be covered by the respective organisations they represent.

2. Reimbursement for secretariat is to be arranged between Ministry for the Environment and the secretariat.