Hon Kate Wilkinson
National Party Spokeswoman for Conservation

14 November 2011

Next steps to protect our natural environment

The National Party’s conservation policy tackles introduced pests, protects native species, and encourages community engagement, says Conservation Spokeswoman Kate Wilkinson.

“New Zealanders are rightly proud of our natural environment. It is central to our national identity, and it provides many economic growth opportunities – particularly for our tourism and primary production sectors,” says Ms Wilkinson.

“National’s conservation policy builds on the steps we have already taken to preserve and protect natural resources for the future.

“It outlines our plan to further open up the conservation estate so that it can be enjoyed by New Zealanders and visitors, and at the same time make sure native species are better protected.”

In its first term, National announced nine new marine reserves, made sure more than 30,000 hectares of land were given higher conservation status, and opened 10 new DOC camping grounds.

Some of the next steps in National’s conservation policy include:
• Creating a biodiversity forum to work towards the aspirational goal of a pest-free New Zealand.
• Reviewing New Zealand’s threatened species management framework.
• Passing revised Marine Reserves legislation to protect marine diversity.
• Working towards a new Kauri National Park in the Waipoua Forest, Northland.
• Providing up to 200 places for 10-14 year olds to attend conservation camp.
• Increasing penalties for smuggling protected species.

View National’s conservation policy at:
http://national.org.nz/PDF_General/Conservation_policy.pdf

ENDS

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