Published on 20 Aug 2025

Transforming Environmental Guardianship: Environmental Protection Authority Operating Model Development

Projects
7 CHARLENE 1x1 PORTRAIT 1
Charlene Harvey Regulatory Strategy + Practice Lead (NZ) Contact me
22 NICK 1x1 PORTRAIT 1
Nick Leffler Organisational Design + Change Lead Contact me

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) faced growing financial pressure with an increasing workload, and no additional funding. A 2022 review warned that without significant changes, their efficiency and effectiveness would diminish.

The EPA needed a new approach to deliver on its newly launched strategy with goals spanning 3, 30 and 300 years. As New Zealand's environment guardian with intergenerational impact, they needed to transform how they functioned. 

Allen + Clarke developed a comprehensive operating model that:

 

  • Positioned the EPA as a proactive regulatory focused on delivering environmental outcomes across generations. 
  • Created clear governance frameworks that improved decision-making and strategic alignment. 
  • Connected daily operations to long-term environmental impact. 
  • Embedded Te Tiriti principles throughout the organisation's functions. 
Allen + Clarke's operating model framework helps the EPA continue its journey toward becoming a proactive, influential environmental guardian, while managing resource constraints - ultimately helping protect New Zealand's environment for future generations.

Building understanding before solutions

We structured our work in four strategic phases: 

  • Discovery - we reviewed key documents and engaged with stakeholders to establish a solid foundation. 

  • Current state analysis - through more than 20 interviews, we identified organisational strengths and opportunities. 

  • Operating model development - we worked with a diverse planning group using our four-lens operating model methodology to codesign the operating model. 

  • Endorsement - we tested and refined the model with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure alignment and ownership. 

Tangled line drawing forming brain shape above hanging lightbulb
Single yellow lightbulb glowing on black cord

Find out how we can help.
Book a Discovery Session

Get clarity on your challenge with our free one-hour discovery session - no obligation, just practical insights on how we can help.

Balancing regulation with aspiration

The EPA faced several key challenges:

  • Balancing regulatory mandate with strategic aspirations and operational constraints. 

  • Enhancing community connections. 

  • Strengthening their approach to Te Tiriti partnership. 

  • Creating stronger alignment across regulatory functions. 

Hand holding red book with abstract yellow geometric shapes
Hands writing with pen overlaid with yellow geometric shape and black squiggles
Resources Block
Overlapping coloured paper strips creating abstract geometric pattern
Projects

Designing the bridge between strategy and impact: building an intervention logic for the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Read More
Intricate red contour lines creating organic flow patterns against dark background, resembling neural networks in abstract.
Projects

Mapping the mental health monitoring landscape to drive systems improvement: Stocktake of mental health and addiction monitoring data

Read More
Professional in navy suit reviewing documents with silver pen, displaying focused attention to detail
Projects

Streamlining Tribunal Support: Secretariat Support for the Mental Health Review Tribunal

Read More

A blueprint for transformation

Our impact focused model positioned regulatory delivery at the centre, surrounded by three capability clusters: enabling capabilities, management capabilities and strategic capabilities. This created clear pathways for decision-making and impact. 

The EPA now has a blueprint that maintain core regulatory functions while enhancing their ability to influence environmental outcomes over multiple generations. The model reflects their commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and enables them to be a more responsive, agile regulator ready to address emerging challenges. 

 

  • Enhanced regulatory impact through improved connectivity across the organisation and with external partners. 

  • Improved strategic alignment with clear links between daily operations and long-term environmental priorities. 

  • More effective governance ensuring the right decisions at the right levels. 

Interconnected coloured pathways forming abstract network diagram
Interconnected coloured pathways forming abstract network diagram