Moana Mackey
Environment Spokesperson

17 April 2014

What is National’s position on single nutrient management model?

Clarification is needed regarding the National Government's position on the single nutrient management model for water quality in light of the Board of Inquiry decision on the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme (RWSS) says Labour’s Environment Spokesperson Moana Mackey.

"National Ministers including Amy Adams, Nick Smith, Craig Foss and Chris Tremain have been blatant in their support for the Ruataniwha scheme including the ‘single nutrient management model’. They have been highly critical of those who have criticised the scheme because of concerns about water quality which would have seen the Tukituki turn toxic.

The RWSS Board of Inquiry’s decision released this week, which categorically rejected the proposed ‘single nutrient management model’ for water quality, raises questions about what the National party position is on the controversial nutrient management method.

“The Board’s decision stated that both phosphates and nitrates must to be managed, rather than the ‘single nutrient management model’ which only manages phosphates. The Board described this model as being not ecologically healthy.

“The proposed plan change which would have been required in order for the ‘single nutrient management model’ to proceed was considered alongside the dam proposal. It was seen as integral to the advancement of the project. Proponents of the scheme were quite clear that the two went hand in hand.

“The RWSS decision has put paid to the Government’s hope of approving the ‘single nutrient management model’ for adoption nationwide, says Moana Mackey.

“We need a clear commitment from the National Party that they fully accept this decision and that the ‘single nutrient management model’ will not appear anywhere in the amended National Policy Statement on freshwater management.”

ENDS

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