Cast Out and Snare All is not a Conservation Policy

The Government has adopted a cast out, and snare all, biodiversity strategy, said ACT Conservation spokesman Gerry Eckhoff.

The Government today announced it will spend an extra $187 million on the implementation of a biodiversity strategy. In reality only $84 million is budgeted to be spent during this term of Government.

“Biodiversity strategies should be targeted and organised from the roots up, and not from the top down.

“The announced plan appears to have no conservation targets and no benchmarks or goals. Basically there is no identification of biodiversity priorities. This is onerous for land owners throughout New Zealand.

“The policy will see bureaucrats in Wellington deciding regulations and standards for residents in Cape Reinga, Invercargill and Gropers Bush. The only result will be defiance and friction between Government and private landowners.

“Marion Hobbs is hoping to develop a national accord between the crown, local bodies, private landowners, farmers and tangata whenua. One hopes this accord will achieve a different result to the West Coast version. Unlike labour, ACT believes accords between stakeholders should have the legal enforceability of a contract, and not be exploited for short term political gain.

“While an accord between stake holders and the Government would be a positive step towards sustainable biodiversity, can this really be achieved given the Government’s current track record,” said Gerry Eckhoff.

ENDS

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