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Land and Water Forum Report step towards cleaning waterways
18 May 2012
Land and Water Forum Report a huge step forward towards cleaning up our waterways
The Environmental Defence Society says that the Land and Water Forum's second report, released today, is a massive step forward for freshwater management in New Zealand and an endorsement of the collaborative approach to policy formulation.
"The Land and Water Forum had its genesis in EDS's 2008 national conference where a group of key stakeholders in freshwater decided it was time to address the policy and institutional settings for freshwater which were clearly broken. Water quality was in constant decline and in some areas over-allocated. Something had to happen," said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.
"The Land and Water Forum initiative really took off, was supported by the full range of interest groups, was embraced by government and has worked though extraordinarily complex and challenging issues to produce a blueprint for reform.
"The consensus that underpins the latest report represents a lot of give and take on the part of participants but the fact that it is an overall agreement means it should stand the test of time. We now have a pathway towards improved freshwater quality and use.
"The ball is now firmly in the government's court and its challenge is to see the recommendations as an overall package and not as a menu that it can pick and chose from. The entire package needs implementing if it is to work.
"The Forum has one more report to come dealing mainly with allocation. This is slated for completion in September this year.
"So I would hope that by the end of this term of government, the necessary legislation and institutional reforms will be in place and we will be on track for much needed improvements in water quality and end use efficiency.
"EDS would like to congratulate the Land and Water Forum Secretariat, our Chairman Alastair Bisley, the supporting Ministers and other political parties for their support and encouragement," Mr Taylor concluded.
View the full report here.
ENDS
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.
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