Maryan
STREET
Environment Spokesperson
12 March 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

Government Proposals Undermine Protection Of Waterways

The Government cannot cherry pick recommendations from the Land and Water Forum report and say it is doing just what participants wanted, says Labour's Environment spokesperson, Maryan Street.

“Environment Minister Amy Adams is using the threat of deteriorating water quality to push ahead with her own development agenda.

“The short timeframe for submissions on the Government’s proposed freshwater reforms show the Minister’s calls for collaboration are merely window dressing.

“It will take time for people to see just where Ms Adams is reflecting recommendations of the Forum, which looked into these issues over four years, and where she is simply being disingenuous.

“It is also concerning that Ms Adams’ proposals continue in the same vein as her RMA discussion document -- undermining the powers of the Environment Court. It is the Environment Court which can maintain an independent and consistent nationwide approach to the protection of the country's waterways.

“Handing decisions about important rivers and lakes over to local councils, ignores the fact that these waterways are important to all New Zealanders, not simply those who live nearby and need them for farming and industry.

“Now it is time for all New Zealanders to have their say. They shouldn’t be rushed by a Minister eager to push ahead with her own agenda,” Maryan Street said.

labour.org.nz

ENDS

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