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EDS expresses deep concern at DoC job losses
Media Release: EDS expresses deep concern at
Department of Conservation job
losses
The Environmental
Defence Society has expressed its deep concern at today’s
announcement that there are to be around 140 job losses,
mostly in operations, at the Department of Conservation. 11
Conservancies are to be restructured into 6
regions.
“This is the latest in a string of restructurings and job losses at DOC,” said Chairman of the Environmental Defence Society, Gary Taylor.
“It is also the most recent manifestation of a series of recent Government policy announcements that will harm our environment. New proposals to amend the RMA will weaken the legislation and lower environmental standards on private land, whilst this announcement will impact adversely on the one-third of our country administered by the Department.
“The Department of Conservation has been chronically underfunded by government. In the last six or seven years, the Department’s budget in real terms has decreased or at best, remained static, whilst the cost of maintaining New Zealand’s natural environment has gone up.
“Of course operational efficiencies are important, and it is clear that DOC needs to find creative ways of addressing New Zealand’s very significant conservation challenges. But being in a permanent state of change is incredibly debilitating and demoralizing for staff. Not only that, when you lose good people you lose valuable institutional knowledge.
“It really is time for DOC to enter a settled phase. The one-third of New Zealand it administers is the best part in ecological and landscape terms. Our unique natural heritage is of vital importance – it not only supports our primary industries and provides recreational opportunities but also is part of our national identity.
“With the budget so tight, the Department is being forced to go cap in hand to the business sector to try to obtain funding to undertake its legislative duties. There would be outrage if the health budget was treated in this way.
“DOC needs more support from the government, not less. We need to ensure that the Department retains the staff and resources to protect our natural heritage for future generations of New Zealanders,” Mr Taylor concluded.
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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