2 July 2002

Bluegreens Over The Moon On National's Environment Policy

"Members of the Bluegreens movement are over the moon that so much of their advice of environment and heritage issues has been incorporated into the National Party's policy for the coming election." This today from Terry Dunleavy, national convenor of Bluegreens, an independent advisory group set up to advise National on environment and heritage issues.

“We are thrilled that National's environment and conservation policy has been entitled 'A Bluegreen Vision for New Zealand'. It is much more than a highly satisfying culmination of three years of policy formulation and advocacy on our part. It is a practical, commonsense programme for the sustainable management of our unique New Zealand environment, which recognises the close links between environmental improvement and economic growth, the rights of people as well as fauna and flora, and a willingness to accept the guidance of science.

"Bluegreens welcome especially the new approaches planned by National by way of the half-billion dollar sustainability and eco-restoration fund, a comprehensive review by a Royal Commission of our fresh water resources and ecosystems, and the achievement of zero waste of both materials and energy. These exciting new concepts, which Bluegreens have discussed with National Party political leadership, convince us that National has used its time in opposition wisely in creating practical and long overdue new policies to preserve the heritage of all New Zealanders as the proud and prosperous inhabitants of the world's cleanest, greenest and most pleasant land," said Mr Dunleavy.

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