18 July 2002 - Wellington
MEDIA RELEASE EMBARGOED UNTIL DELIVERY
Labour's environment policy scores a bare pass, but the conservation policy is much better
Labour's environment policy is long on generalities but short on specifics, however, the conservation policy is much
better, says Forest and Bird.
Society Senior Researcher, Barry Weeber, contrasted Labour's environment and conservation policies. "The conservation
policy has a clear vision for the protection of New Zealand's biodiversity and a range of commitments that will make a
difference."
"We welcome the commitments in the conservation policy to continue removing the pests off offshore islands, including
Hauturu (Little Barrier Island), and to better protect conservation land from mining."
"Forest and Bird welcomes Labour's commitment to an Oceans policy, but is disappointed there are no commitments to deal
with the problems that exist in the short term. For example mineral activity can occur on seamounts without a public
process or clear environmental assessment procedures."
"Any Oceans Policy needs to sort out the failure to manage fisheries sustainably and reduce the impacts of fishing on
marine mammals, seabirds and other marine life."
Mr Weeber said Forest and Bird welcomed the commitment to a sustainable development strategy but it was a pity the draft
strategy was not released prior to the election. "Any strategy needs to set out a clear vision for New Zealand's
development, one that builds on the environment and recognises that a healthy environment is essential to New Zealand's
future."
Mt Weeber said Labour should be clear on what is meant by a 'review of environmental administration and
decision-making'. "We hope that this means a commitment to an environmental review office for local government or the
creation of an environmental protection agency."
Mr Weeber welcomed the initiative to develop national water standards and hoped that there was a commitment to an early
introduction of these standards. Water quality, for example, has got worse over the last 10 years and national standards
are long overdue."
"On the Resource Management Act, Labour should state whether they intend to progress their controversial proposals to
introduce limited notification on resource consents and thus eliminate the public's right to be involved in some
resource management issues."
Mr Weeber said Labour's commitment to complete the development of a national policy statement on indigenous biodiversity
under the Resource Management Act was warmly welcomed. As is the commitment to ensure the Act remains an effective tool
for the protection of conservation values on private land. However, to be effective, the national policy statement has
to set a clear direction and it was disappointing that the policy did not specify this.
The commitment to ensure that there is sufficient funding for weed and integrated pest control together with ongoing
funding of the Biodiversity Strategy is welcomed. We hope this means an early review of the funding for the Biodiversity
Strategy, which is inadequate to turn the tide of biodiversity loss.
Mr Weeber said the proposal for triple bottom line reporting by central and local government agencies is welcomed but
needs to be strengthened.
ends
Barry Weeber Senior Researcher Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society PO Box 631 Wellington New Zealand Phone
64-4-385-7374 Fax 64-4-385-7373 www.forest-bird.org.nz