Point gun at foot … shoot!

Sun, Oct 06 2013

Courtesy of Rob Gilcrest writing in The Standard, here is a succinct, highly readable summary of the latest manipulations of information surrounding the CHB dam, titled: The many and varied problems with the Ruataniwha Dam proposal.

Keep in mind all of this has come to light since the dam and Tukituki management consent applications were lodged with the Board of Inquiry. You’ll recall that many of us, aware of the gaps in HBRC’s case, called for a ‘time out’ in this farce a few months ago. In vain.

This article should be required reading for those local politicians still running around saying: “I am FOR the dam, assuming all the environmental and economic boxes can be ticked”.

Given the manipulation of information by two ministries and the HBRC itself, the burden of proof is clearly the opposite. The only responsible position to take today is: “I am AGAINST the dam unless all the environmental and economic/financial boxes can be ticked.” And that looks more and more doubtful by the day.

The HBRC seems determined to dig itself deeper and deeper into a (in)credibility pit.

For example, its incredibly foolish complaint against Radio NZ’s coverage of the dam information shenanigans. Is this coming from the HBRC senior staff? From their boss Andrew Newman? From HBRC Councillors. From HBRIC’s private sector board members? Exactly who took the stupid pill on this one?

For example, its steadfast resistance to making available science and modeling information that submitters against the HBRC scheme require to prepare informed evidence supporting their objections. It has required legal action by Fish & Game and the intervention (last Friday) of the chairman of the Board of Inquiry to require HBRC to release the required information.

HBRC just can’t seem to find enough ways to shoot itself in the foot. But there’s still more time in this triennium.

Tom Belford

ENDS

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