Objectives of NZAIA (Inc.)

OBJECTS

1. To promote the practice of impact assessment (including social and environmental assessment) in the formulation and implementation of development and policy proposals.

2. To promote research and consultation practices which identify the full social and environmental effects of policies & projects and the measures required to address these.

3. To promote the development of impact assessment theory and methods.

4. To promote impact assessment that recognises and accommodates different social and cultural values, including those of indigenous peoples.

5. To promote and encourage a high standard of practice amongst members of the Association and others using impact assessment methods, in accordance with the Code of Ethics.

6. To recognise and consider the Treaty of Waitangi.

7. To undertake or encourage initiatives, consistent with the other objects, powers and resources of the Association, to promote or advance the protection of the environment.

8. The objects listed here are not listed by order of priority.

MEANS OF ACHIEVING THE OBJECTS

1. Means to achieve these objects may include the following :

organise talks, meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops;
commission or carry out research or investigations;
prepare published or unpublished communications in any legal form whether written, recorded on tape, film or any other medium;
develop a library and/or other media resources;
encourage the practice of peer review; and/or
carry out other such activities as will further the objects.

2. The Association must maintain a Code of Ethics., including ethical guidelines for those members involved in impact assessment work.

3. The Ethical Guidelines (not listed in order of importance) require that the Association and its members:

i. Commit themselves to principles of social justice, sustainable development and high environmental quality.

ii. Demonstrate a concern for the social and environmental effects of development and policy decisions.

iii. Consider the effects of development, programme and policy decisions on all sectors of the community, with reference to relevant (especially social and environmental) characteristics.

iv. Be committed to the empowerment of all people, including indigenous people and those who are disadvantaged, to influence the development, policy and programme decisions which affect them..