Communication is the main purpose of SOE reporting - to tell us about the health of our environment and changes to it over time. SOE reporting illustrates whether environmental management is effective or where attention is required. It provides early warning of environmental risks, e.g., to air, land and water, and enables councils and communities to understand progress towards desired environmental results. SOE reporting was first promoted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 1979. Today there are a variety of SOE reporting practices internationally. Within New Zealand, regional councils, and partner agencies, produce regional data that is shown on LAWA. SOE monitoring data is also shared with the Ministry for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand for national environmental reporting.