Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Implementation Key To Freshwater Improvement Says LGNZ Regional Sector

Local Government New Zealand’s (LGNZ) Regional Sector welcomes the introduction of new freshwater regulation, saying it’s time to look closely at the on-the-ground implementation measures that will be vital to achieve the freshwater improvements sought by both local and central government.

The Regional Sector is comprised of the 16 Regional and Unitary councils who, among a range of responsibilities, act as environmental regulators.

“We share the aims of the Government and our communities, to improve the quality of our freshwater, and implementation is key to this,” says Regional Sector Chair Doug Leeder.

“Our sector is a key part of the solution and now that the changes have been set in law, our focus has turned to how we can give effect to the revised National Policy Statement and new National Environmental Standards and regulations. This won’t be straight-forward given the shortage of highly skilled workers needed to implement these reforms, but we know how important this work is for New Zealand.”

“This includes scientists, policy planners, and consent and compliance advisors, as well as the need to increase our environmental monitoring reporting, all of which need funding in upcoming Long Term Plans and therefore discussion with our communities.”

“Regional councils are acutely aware of the significant new regulations coming into effect on some farming activities and will be working to ensure our rural communities are aware of their obligations, but we encourage landowners to be proactive in understanding these.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“Throughout the consultation process, the Regional Sector has stressed the need to focus on implementation, and the need for partnership between iwi, the Crown, and regional councils, and that’s more important than ever before. We are particularly focused on the obligations to give effect to Te Mana o Te Wai.”

“Only tangible changes will deliver this ambitious programme, and that includes more accredited staff to audit farm plans, more resources to widely monitor activity and enforce new rules, and working with the National Science Programme to support regional waterway challenges.”

“As we’ve said all along, non-regulatory measures are also an important way to improve the quality of our freshwater. The funding for projects through the Jobs for Nature programme is a big opportunity to support and expand riparian planting and fencing, and wetland protection and restoration, that will pay dividends for freshwater quality,” continued Mr Leeder.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.