After only one week we have already had almost 60 people take part in our HiveMind consultation on the issue of freshwater quality in NZ. The participants have cast a total of 1663 votes on existing statements and suggested a number of new statements with
different perspectives on the issue and solutions.
We are aiming to reach at least 150 participants by the 2nd of August closing date so please join us to have your say and spread the word.
We have just added 10 new comments to the discussion so even if you have already participated, please make sure you drop by again this week to vote on
these new statements which expand the conversation.
Nine of these statements were drawn from submissions by participants, but Scoop has also added a tenth statement
regarding a possible solution that is currently getting a good deal of attention and gathering support.
Freshwater Rescue Plan
The 10th new statement concerns the steps proposed by a number of advocacy groups who have collaborated to create the Freshwater Rescue Plan. This plan suggests 7 tangible and achievable steps that the government could take right now to address the freshwater
crisis in Aotearoa.
The Seven steps of the Freshwater Rescue Plan are:
1. Prioritise the health of people and their waterways by setting strict and enforceable water quality standards, based
on human and ecosystem health limits.
2. Withdraw all public subsidies of irrigation schemes, as they increase pressure on waterways.
3. Invest in an Agricultural Transition Fund, to support the country's shift away from environmentally-damaging farming
methods by redirecting $480 million of public money earmarked for irrigation.
4. Implement strategies to decrease cow numbers immediately.
5. Reduce freshwater contamination by instigating polluter pays systems nationally.
6. Address the performance of regional council’s on improving water quality through quarterly reports from the Ministry
for the Environment on enforcement, breaches and monitoring.
7. Adopt OECD recommendation to establish a whole-of-government, multi-stakeholder process to develop a long-term vision
for the transition of New Zealand to a low-carbon, greener economy.
For more information – www.freshwaterrescueplan.org
We look forward to the views of all our participants on these new statements and on whether you believe this suggested
solution has merit.
Joseph and The HiveMind Team