“Help Shape the Future for Oceans”

Now is the time for you to help shape the future of one of Auckland’s and New Zealand’s most important resources.

Dame Cath Tizard is heading the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on the consultation process for the development of a National Oceans Policy. The process will investigate New Zealanders’ values and visions for our oceans. This exciting project will affect all New Zealanders, defining our interaction with the marine environment and the land that it surrounds.

The Committee (MAC) has been appointed by Cabinet to undertake a consultation process to ask why the marine environment is important to us, what things we want changed or maintained, and how we think decisions should be made about it. This is the first time New Zealanders have been formally asked for their views on values and visions for a National Oceans Policy.

Auckland is built within the isthmus of two harbours. Nearly all of our activities impact on the marine environment, our high standard of living largely due to the condition and quality of these surrounding areas. The ocean effects every Aucklander, directly or indirectly.

All residents are invited to submit their opinions, whether they are from a recreational, commercial or environmental point of view. This is your chance to ensure that your takeaway shop can continue to sell fresh New Zealand snapper, or that the beach at the bottom of your road and favourite fishing spot are maintained just the way you want it.

A schedule of Auckland’s public meetings are listed below, giving you a chance to meet with the committee and share your views. You can attend any meeting that suits, or alternatively get a submission booklet from the website. For more information check out the Oceans Policy website www.oceans.govt.nz or phone 0800 001 461. Remember this is your chance to help shape the future of Auckland’s and New Zealand’s marine environment.

West Auckland - Monday 30 July 5.30pm
Ceramco Park Function Centre, Glendale Road, Glen Eden

North Shore – Tuesday 31 July 5.30pm
Bruce Mason Centre, Cnr Hurstmere Rd & the Promenade, Takapuna

Central Auckland – Wednesday 1 August 5.30pm
Auckland Town Hall (Reception Lounge 2nd Floor), Queen St, City

South Auckland – Thursday 2 August 5.30pm
Manukau City Council Gallery (Civic Centre), 31-33 Wiri Station Rd, Manukau

Rodney District – Monday 6 August 5.30pm
Centrestage Theatre, 60 Centrestage Rd, Orewa

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For further information please call: Hugh Leersnyder, Manager Coastal Environment: 3662002 x7002 or Kate Goodfellow, Strategic Policy Analyst: 3662000 x8134

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>