Board of Inquiry conditions will save rivers in New Zealand

The Ruataniwha dam decision released today has protected the Tukituki River and dashed the Government’s hope of the “one nutrient model” (TRIM) being adopted nationwide, says Labour’s Conservation spokesperson Ruth Dyson.

“It is a massive victory for those in the Hawkes Bay and throughout the country who submitted against this proposal.

“The decision says that both phosphates and nitrates will need to be managed, rather than the ‘one nutrient model’ which just managed phosphates. The Board described the TRIM model as being not ecologically healthy. It further noted the need for us to move to sustainable farming practices.

“This decision will no doubt be a disappointment to both Environment and Conservation Ministers, Amy Adams and Nick Smith, who have been blatant in their support of this scheme. They clearly wanted a National Policy Statement that would be based on the one nutrient model and now that will not be possible.

“The Board of Inquiry worked really hard under extreme time constraints to ensure that the robust scientific evidence that was presented to it in opposition to this model, was given appropriate consideration. They have made a decision that will stop the Tukituki River being turned toxic by excess nitrates and this should be welcomed.

“I congratulate them on this comprehensive decision, and also congratulate all those who were involved in submissions in opposition to the proposal.”

Ends

© Scoop Media