25 September 2013

Green Party welcomes the High Court decision on Horizons’ One Plan

The Green Party today welcomed the High Court decision that allows the Horizons Regional Council's One Plan to proceed.

The High Court has upheld the Environment Court’s ruling that nutrient management provisions in the Horizons Regional Council’s One Plan, which aim to improve water quality in the Manawatu-Whanganui region, are valid.

“This a great outcome for the environment,” said Green Party water spokesperson Eugenie Sage.

“The High Court decision means that the Council can finally get about its business implementing the One Plan and start to clean up the rivers and lakes in the Manawatu- Whanganui region.

“This is a win for all New Zealanders who love our lakes and waterways and want water quality to improve so that they and their children can enjoy them for swimming, fishing, and gathering kai.

“The Court's decision sends a clear signal that business as usual, when it comes to polluting our rivers and lakes, is not an option.

“The Horizons’ One Plan is a good model for other regional councils, but we need effective national rules which would guide regional councils and help avoid regional plans being relitigated in every region.

“The Government’s weak draft national objectives for water quality leaked to the media earlier this month won’t do the job because they are a license to pollute.

“We need a Ministry for the Environment committed to improving water quality and a Department of Conservation which is allowed to advocate for clean water and healthy freshwater fish habitats, not one which is gagged by its Minister.

“DOC’s involvement in the original Environment Court case alongside Fish and Game and other parties was important in providing the Court with the technical evidence which saw the Court uphold rules for clean water,” said Ms Sage.

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