Media Statement
15 November 2012

Dunne welcomes Land and Water Forum Report

UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne has welcomed the release of the third report of the Land and Water Forum and congratulated the members of the Forum for achieving a level of consensus that many in 2009 thought impossible.

“For nearly 60 major stakeholders with a wide variety of priorities to come together and provide a suite of advice based on broad consensus is really quite some achievement,” said Mr Dunne.

“What this proves more than anything is the genuine concern that all sides have for our freshwater as a resource and the willingness of those stakeholders to find a lasting solution to a potentially very divisive issue.”

“The three reports provide a robust framework for the Government and regional councils to work from.”

“Yes, big decisions still need to be made about what the various objectives and limits will be and how regional authorities will achieve them. However, an integrated approach, as recommended, is a practical means to achieve a balanced and positive outcome that if implemented properly can turn freshwater management into a New Zealand success story for generations to come.

“Finally, I endorse the comments of Alastair Bisley, Chair of the Land and Water Forum, who praised the relevant ministers for instigating, supporting and allowing space for the Forum to carry out its work.”

The appropriate management of our freshwater resource is one of the most important issues we face, which is why water quality was included in the 2011 Confidence and Supply Agreement between National and UnitedFuture.

“I look forward to working with the Government to turn the Land and Water Forum’s recommendations into a lasting management framework that will benefit all New Zealanders,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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