Media Advisory: Russel Norman to paddle the polluted Tukituki

What: Green Co-leader Dr Russel Norman paddles the polluted Tukituki River to raise awareness about the Green Party’s plan for clean rivers
When: 3:00 pm, Wednesday 9 November
Where: Meet by the red bridge, Waimarama Rd: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?
Who: Dr Norman and supporters

Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman will paddle the polluted Tukituki River in the Hawkes Bay on Wednesday to highlight the Green Party’s plan to make New Zealand’s rivers and lakes clean enough to swim in again.

“I am paddling on the Tukituki to bring attention to how the Green Party’s clean rivers plan will help the Tukituki, and all New Zealand rivers,” said Dr Norman.

Dr Norman said the Green Party had developed a three-part plan to clean up our rivers and lakes:1) Set standards for clean water; 2) Introduce a fair charge for irrigation water and; 3) Support water clean-up initiatives.

“Our standards for clean water will set limits to the amount of water being taken from our rivers and lakes, and the amount of pollution going into them," Dr Norman said.

“These standards would help address the problems that lead to the algal blooms in the Tukituki.

“We will also introduce a fair charge on irrigation water to drive water use efficiency and generate revenue to be used for waterway clean up initiatives such fencing and planting the banks of the Tukituki.

"Looking after our natural environment, including our rivers and lakes, is the best thing we can do to build a stronger economy that in turn looks after all our people."

Dr Norman said cleaning up our rivers and lakes was one of the Green Party's top three election priorities. The others were bringing 100,000 kids out of poverty, and creating 100,000 new clean, green jobs.

Journalists are welcome to join the paddle. To book a place on a raft, please phone Anne Heins on 04 817 6712. Dr Norman’s Tukituki paddle is part of a full day of campaigning in the Hawkes Bay.

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