EDS Supports Call To Improve Wild Rivers Protection

Thursday, 31 May 2012, 2:25 pm
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

31 May 2012

Media Release:

EDS Supports Calls By The Parliamentary Commissioner For The Environment To Improve Wild Rivers Protection

The Environmental Defence Society has welcomed the report Hydroelectricity or wild rivers? which was released today by the Commissioner for the Environment.

"This is a very timely report given the recent hard-fought wins against some hydro projects and the trend towards more geothermal and wind generation," said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.

"Commissioner Jan Wright's recommendations for a fresh look at strengthening and broadening Water Conservation Orders have our strong support.

"Water conservation orders are the only effective mechanism available to protect freshwater. We particularly support calls to examine how land use adjacent to wild and scenic rivers can be better regulated to limit its impact on water quality.

"New Zealand's wild rivers are part of our joint heritage with iwi and are important components of our national brand and who we are. They are akin to our national parks and are protected for their natural, scenic, wildlife and recreational values.

"With so many of our freshwater resources under pressure from over-allocation and pollution, their value has risen immensely in recent years.

"EDS worked with Fish & Game's Bryce Johnson and Ecologic's Guy Salmon on getting the law put in place way back in 1981 to allow applications to be made to protect New Zealand's outstanding rivers. Indeed, EDS was behind the first such order - the one that protected the Motu River.

"Bryce Johnson and Fish & Game deserve credit for practically all the rest.

"After 30 years, though, it's time to revisit that original vision and give the legal framework a makeover. But we must take great care in doing that. This is still good law, and puts some real integrity behind the Kiwi brand.

"EDS supports the referral of the recommendations in the Commissioner's report to the Land and Water Forum for consideration," Mr Taylor concluded.

ENDS

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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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