Kapiti Eco-tourism Venture Should be Supported

Monday 4 Feb 2002 Gerry Eckhoff Press Releases -- Environment & Conservation

ACT Environment Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff is calling on Environment Minister Marian Hobbs to guarantee that no taxpayer money will be made available for opponents of the planned Kapiti Island eco-tourism venture.

"I also believe the Government's Maori caucus and Conservation Minister Sandra Lee should put their full weight behind the application by Mr John Barrett and his Iwi interests to run a tourism venture.

"What hope does Mr Barrett have of getting his project off the ground if people against the concept on purely ideological grounds are given access to taxpayer funding to stage a lengthy fight through the Environment Court?

"ACT, as a long time opponent of the fatally flawed Resource Management Act is only too well aware of how extremely worthwhile ventures can be cut off at the knees by this bureaucratic nightmare.

"So I say now that Marian Hobbs should ensure that no taxpayer funding is provided to fight the Kapiti venture.

"There is growing demand from tourists for nature experiences. Eco-tourism should therefore be encouraged as a way of putting money back into protecting eco-systems and educating the public," Gerry Eckhoff said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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