Browsing by Author "Cassells, Susan Mary"

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    The cost and trade impacts of environmental regulations : effluent control and the New Zealand dairy sector : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Economics at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1999) Cassells, Susan Mary
    This thesis investigates the impacts of current water quality regulations on the New Zealand dairy sector. The dairy industry is expanding, with dairy exports constituting 20% of total merchandise trade receipts. In recent years however, concern has grown in New Zealand and worldwide, regarding the negative environmental impact of intensive dairying, in particular the nitrate levels in ground and surface waters. In New Zealand both the protection of the environment, and trade are important for the economy. This research looks at the possible effects of increased on-farm costs on the competitiveness of the New Zealand dairy sector in the international market. In response to the Resource Management Act 1991, Regional Councils throughout New Zealand have required dairy farmers to operate a land-based disposal system for dairy shed effluent. An estimate is made of the additional cost this imposes on dairy farmers. An applied general equilibrium approach (GTAP) is used to analyse the possible impacts of these additional production costs on New Zealand's dairy export trade. This analysis is conducted under two scenarios, the first being that New Zealand acts unilaterally in imposing water quality regulations. The second scenario assumes that New Zealand's three main dairy export competitors, the EU, Australia and the US also enforce their own water quality regulations and internalise the costs of such regulations. The cost to the dairy farmer of implementing a land-haved effluent disposal system in order to meet water quality regulations is estimated at 2 to 3.2% of total farm costs. In the first scenario, given this increase in costs, the model predicts a loss in international competitiveness for the New Zealand dairy exporting sector. Under the second scenario, the global dairy export price index is predicted to rise by considerably more than the increase in the supply price of New Zealand's processed dairy products. This will mean a realignment of international trading patterns and an expansion of the New Zealand dairy exporting sector, thereby increasing its global market share.
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    Toward sound management of end-of-life vehicles in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2004) Cassells, Susan Mary
    New Zealand has a problem with an increasing number of motor vehicles being abandoned at the end of their useful life. The environmental and associated social costs created by this problem are expected to increase with the rising number of vehicles entering the country. In addition, there are environmental concerns regarding some aspects of the legal disposal of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). The exact magnitude of both problems is unknown and attempts made to address them have been ad hoc and success limited. This thesis sets out to quantify the problems and provide policy makers with tools to improve the overall management of motor vehicle disposal in New Zealand. To assess the extent and cost of the abandoned vehicle problem, local authorities are surveyed. The legislation dealing with car ownership, transferral and disposal and its implementation are scrutinised for weaknesses that allow ELVs to be abandoned without penalty. The automobile recycling industry is surveyed to determine the environmental impact from the industry's activities. Using semi-structured surveys, policies and practices used in other countries for the management of ELVs are investigated and assessed for effectiveness. Their application to the New Zealand situation is ascertained. Of the vehicles which are deregistered each year, one in five is dumped. The direct cost to local authorities, to deal with the 25,500 vehicles abandoned each year, is more than six million dollars. In addition, practices and standards for the removal and disposal of hazardous substances from ELVs vary nationwide, adding to the environmental burden caused by vehicle disposal. Recommendations for the improved management of ELVs target four areas, legislation, institutional practices, entry into the recycling system and dismantling operations. Minor changes to legislation and institutional practices combined with rigorous enforcement will close the data gaps and overcome free-rider problems. A disposal charge added to the registration fee of vehicles entering the country will allow ELV owners to dispose of their vehicles free-of-charge. Improved environmental performance by automotive dismantlers can be achieved through licensing and consistent monitoring from within the industry. Implementation of these recommendations will lead to better management of ELVs, through changed behaviour by private individuals and dismantling operations, and a reduction in the environmental costs associated with vehicle disposal.