DOC's Advocacy Role Must Be Abolished

Monday 2 Aug 2004 Gerry Eckhoff Press Releases -- Other

The Conservation Department's plan for a 50,000-hectare marine reserve at Great Barrier Island is yet another example of the Labour Government and its environmental supporters' eco-imperialist attitude towards conservation, ACT New Zealand Fisheries Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff said today.

"Today's announcement is based on shonky science, as it is widely accepted that small - but many - sanctuaries produce better outcomes than DOC's `big is best' attitude," Mr Eckhoff said.

"The concept of setting aside vast areas of land or sea in reserves for the benefit of all New Zealanders is no longer credible. DOC, by its determination to do this, defies any logic that such a move in any way benefits recreationalists.

"The locking up of our productive land and sea for some high minded ideals based on a false premise will result in even greater antagonism towards DOC, whose role should be as managers, not advocates.

"DOC must be removed from their role of advocating for both marine and terrestrial environments, otherwise the insatiable appetite of those driving it will ultimately exclude New Zealanders from enjoying their own environment," Mr Eckhoff said.

ENDS

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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