Democrats dismayed at government decision

Democrats Leader, Stephnie de Ruyter, today expressed dismay at the government’s announced intention to take control of the Project Aqua consents process.

While there could be little doubt that the provisions of the Resource Management Act were inadequate in this instance, Ms de Ruyter cautioned against leaving finding a solution in government hands.

“It’s a relief that the current resource consents process has been halted. At least there will now be the opportunity for all applications & issues relating to the Waitaki catchment to be considered as part of a wider perspective,” commented Ms de Ruyter. “But now the opportunity has also been created for the process and its outcomes to be manipulated by a needy government.”

“It’s clear that this government is under tremendous pressure to take steps to guarantee security of supply, primarily for the North Island. Two power crises in three years have put the pressure on for a quick fix solution” said Ms de Ruyter. “No wonder people are suspicious of the government’s motives and intentions.”

“This ‘Quick Fix: Think Big’ attitude should relegated to the past where it belongs. It makes more sense to develop a long-term energy plan for New Zealand than to exploit our natural resources unnecessarily and in an ad hoc fashion.”

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