New Book on New Zealand Coast

Wednesday, 19 August 2009, 10:48 am
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

19 August 2009

New Book on New Zealand Coast charts a new direction for its management

A new book that blows apart the idea that we have been good custodians of the New Zealand coast is being launched in Auckland this evening.

Written by Environmental Defence Society lawyer and researcher Raewyn Peart, Castles in the Sand examines our long and passionate relationship with the coast, its core importance to our cultures and identity and asks whether we are giving it the respect and care it deserves.

Castles in the Sand describes how through successive development phases many parts of the coast have been transformed from wild natural areas to urbanised suburbs.

It showcases bad development where bad location, poor design and short-term thinking have led to third-rate subdivision of outstanding coastal landscapes.

And it also examines what can be achieved when developers take more care and apply high standards to development of the coast.

"I wanted to tell the story of the coast, identify what was behind the recent surge in coastal development and give some pointers for the future," said Raewyn Peart.

"I hope I have captured the essence of our love affair with New Zealand's coastline and chartered a way ahead for its future management.

"In researching for the book I discovered that we have not managed the coast well at all through our history. Yes, there are examples of good development and we need to learn from them.

"We also need to be bold about our very special places and ensure that they are never developed.

"We will need to make a greater effort to save what is left. The present economic downturn has provided some breathing space to come up with a way forward whilst most development is on the back-burner.

"In the book I argue that we need a specialist body, a New Zealand Coastal Commission, to provide oversight of the coast. The Commission could be charged with protecting our outstanding coastal resources and preserving access for all New Zealanders. It would provide national direction on coastal management instead of leaving decision-making to local councils.

"It could also provide oversight of Māori customary rights if the Foreshore and Seabed Act is repealed. It would therefore be a single Commission representing the interests of all New Zealanders," Raewyn Peart concluded.

Castles in the Sand is extensively illustrated with photographs by leading landscape photographer Craig Potton. It is published by Craig Potton Publishing and is available in bookshops for $49.95 or online at www.eds.org.nz.  

ends

© Scoop Media

Environmental Defence Society

EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.

Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.

EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.

EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.

EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.

Contact Environmental Defence Society

• Website - www.eds.org.nz
• Email - manager@eds.org.nz
• Phone - + 64 9 302 2972
• Link - EDS National Conference
• Facebook