DoC cuts put our natural heritage at risk

The National Government is putting New Zealand’s precious natural heritage at risk with confirmation today of job cuts at the Department of Conservation, says Ruth Dyson, Labour’s Conservation spokesperson.

“The Government and the Department are trying to pretend that everything is sweetness and light – and that they are increasing frontline staffing. But the truth at least 70 full time positions have been cut.

“No amount of spin will convince Kiwis that cutting DoC workers will protect our biosecurity and biodiversity. Make no mistake; the Government is cutting frontline services.

“This is a massive reorganisation of the Department of Conservation, and will have far reaching effects. The move to ‘streamline’ the current 11 conservancies into 6 will mean that some provincial centres will no longer have the conservation expertise they have come to trust and rely on.

“Our natural environment is precious, and at the heart of New Zealand’s 100% Pure brand. National’s cuts put that at risk and are as short sighted as they are ill considered.

“National is cutting the heart of DoC, and hoping that volunteers, corporate sponsorships and donations will fill the gap. If it wasn’t so serious, it would be laughable,” Ruth Dyson.

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