One Plan process lessons


Labour’s Agriculture spokesperson Damien O’Connor has welcomed the announcement this week on the Horizons Regional Council One Plan.

“The outcome is a good one for the region, the rivers and the farmers. Better environmental management will be implemented at a realistic and affordable pace which will mean buy in from all those affected,” Damien O’Connor said.

“There are a number of lessons for everyone involved, and I hope the process is not repeated in the same way elsewhere in the country. The length of time, the animosity and the cost have been excessive for all involved.

“Farmers must now realise that there is close scrutiny of their land management practices and protection of soil and water values is a bottom line expected by every New Zealander.

“Regional Council staff must now realise that the economic activity of a region cannot be stalled by unrealistic proposals that cannot be implemented and therefore would fail to meet the objectives of sound environmental and economic planning,” Damien O’Connor said.

“Hopefully one of the best outcomes will be a willingness from all stakeholders to genuinely engage on the issues before they appear in draft, and thereby reduce the cost, the time and the division over an objective that is a bottom line for New Zealand, and that is truly sustainable management of our farming sectors.”

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