Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
EDS congratulates Commissioner on Birds report
EDS congratulates Commissioner for the Environment on Birds report
The Environmental Defence Society has congratulated Dr Jan Wright, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, on her latest report on the state of New Zealand’s birds, Taonga of an Island Nation.
“The report is an especially revealing and insightful analysis of our native birds and shows that much more needs to be done to protect threatened species. 93% of our birds are endemic to New Zealand.” said EDS CEO Gary Taylor.
“The perilous state of many species is a further wake-up call for all New Zealanders and the Commissioner is calling for urgent and co-ordinated action from relevant agencies.
“Dr Wright has made 7 recommendations all of which need to be acted on with urgency.
“In particular, I note that Dr Wright has called for a fresh national conversation on the use of gene technologies. She clearly envisages an expanded tool-box to confront the predator threat that would include innovative use of genetic interventions.
“EDS is very supportive of that. Saving our native birds will require us to have a more open attitude to the use of such methods.
“Dr Wright also reminds Government that whilst the Predator Free 2050 aspiration is welcome, it implies a significant ramp up in available funding.
“This should be seen as an investment in New Zealand’s future, partly protecting our brand but also recognising the importance New Zealanders place on the intrinsic values of our natural world.
“As she says:
It is my view that one of the things we should seek to achieve is the restoration of abundant, resilient, and diverse birdlife on the New Zealand mainland.
“We strongly support and endorse the Commissioner’s analysis and conclusions,” Mr Taylor concluded.
ends
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
Te Pati Maori: Another ‘Stolen Generation’ Enabled By Court Ruling On Waitangi Tribunal Summons
Peace Action Wellington: Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
