Tuesday, 17 August 2004

ORNZ plans for reforming DOC

United Future leader Peter Dunne today backed a call from the chairman of the Outdoor Recreation Party, which is affiliated to United Future, for a major overhaul of the structure of the Department of Conservation.

In a speech to the Wellington Rotary Club, ORNZ chairman Paul Check said “ The vast diversity of outdoors user groups ranging from conservationists through to the extreme sports fraternity must be recognised, fostered, and respected.

“It must be recognised and acknowledged that all outdoors groups have equal rights to practice their individual pursuits or promote their interests.

“Most importantly, the imposition of legislation or regulation must not favour one over the other, all are to be regarded as equal stakeholders.”

Mr Check said “The Department of Conservation should be split into two autonomous but inter-related arms - one charged with conservation and the other charged with the fostering and care of outdoor recreation and the burgeoning eco-tourism market.

“The present system does not provide for a balanced approach - with DOC playing the roles of both law maker and law enforcer without accountability to nor consultation with the major stakeholders.”

Mr Dunne commented “The ORNZ proposals are commonsense reforms that will allow New Zealand’s natural environment to be experienced and enjoyed by all New Zealanders, without interference from beady-eyed zealots in the bureaucracy.”

ENDS

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