Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Lester promises leadership on predator free Wellington

26 September 2016 - EMBARGOED UNTIL 3.30PM

Justin Lester promises leadership on predator free Wellington


Mayoral candidate Justin Lester is promising to make the plan for Wellington to become predator free the top environmental priority of his first term, saying it's good for native birds, wildlife and the climate.

Lester announced his own plan for a predator free Wellington in July, suggesting that the successful eradication of pests could see the return of the kiwi to the capital.

“Wellingtonians love our natural environment and are enjoying seeing native birds return to our suburbs. As Mayor I will back this plan and ensure the Council steps up its efforts, in partnership with others, so we can have even more native birds in our gardens and return the dawn chorus to our suburbs," said Justin Lester.

"As mayor I will prioritise making Wellington predator free and instruct council staff to draw up plans to maximise our contribution and efforts towards achieving the plan set out today.

"I also pledge to lead by example by putting pest traps on my own property as part of the community effort to eradicate predators.

"Becoming predator free is ambitious but achievable. The success in Crofton Downs, where rats have been eradicated, shows what can be done when large numbers in the community get behind the project.

"Becoming predator free is great for our wildlife and is also a contribution towards tackling climate change. Predators ravage our native bush but getting rid of them helps trees and plants to regenerate and act as carbon sinks.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

"Along with tree planting, predator removal is a good way to offset carbon emissions. It's win win because in addition to tackling climate change it means we are going to have really healthy bush full of native birds and wildlife to enjoy.

"Wellington is world renowned for our beautiful environment. But council can do much more to protect it. As mayor I will work hard to improve our natural environment and tackle climate change."

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On National’s Fantasy Trip To La La Landlord Land


How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is:
(A) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was touting to voters last year has now blown out to $2.9 billion. (That’s a 38% size error in the calculations.)
(B) unable to provide assurance that this handout won’t simply be pocketed by landlords
(C) unable to explain why Treasury (in research as recent as August 2023) wasn’t citing the loss of interest deductibility as a prime factor driving up rents.
More than anything, the Great Landlords Handout undermines the government’s alarmist talk about the state of the country’s books...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.