One Plan signing is “historic moment” for the New Zealand environment

November 27 2014

The signing of the Horizon Regional Council’s One Plan after a decade of debate, legal action and controversy is being hailed by Fish & Game as a landmark in the battle to protect the nation’s water quality.

Horizons councillors approved the plan at a council meeting yesterday. It comes into full operation on December 19.

The One Plan is designed to manage natural resources throughout the Whanganui and Manawatu regions and in particular tackle pollution, improve water quality and preserve environmental diversity.

Fish & Game’s Environmental Manager Corina Jordan says the One Plan is ground breaking.

“The decision by Horizons councillors to sign the One Plan is a historic moment, not only for the region but for all New Zealand,” said Ms Jordan.

“The plan will ensure resources are utilized efficiently, the life supporting capacity of water and ecosystems is maintained, and the needs of future generations are met.”

“This scheme is one of the best in the world and the benchmark for all New Zealand regions to aspire to,” she said.

The Wellington Region manager for Fish & Game, Phil Teal, is pleased the One Plan is now reality.

"It’s been a tough journey, but one well worth travelling,” Mr Teal said.

“The One Plan has been challenged through the courts, and Fish & Game have fought to make sure it came into force.”

“We consider the One Plan to be nationally precedent setting. To see it become reality is a great moment for all people who use the region’s waterways for their livelihood, traditional food gathering and recreation, not just those who want to fish,” he said.

The signing of the One Plan provides all regional councils with a template on how to manage the environment, according to Fish & Game’s chief executive Bryce Johnson.

“The key thing with this plan is that it contains the principles of how farming can be both economically and environmentally sustainable while maintaining water quality for New Zealand’s longer term future.”

“It has been shown that this can be done at the same time as allowing farm systems to remain profitable,” Mr Johnson said.

“The regulations that underpin the One Plan are reasonable, pragmatic and workable.”

Mr Johnson says all regional councils in New Zealand can, and now should, set limits to protect the life-supporting capacity of rivers, lakes and streams. This will also have benefits for freshwater-based recreation, such as swimming and fishing.

“This goes to prove that the existing RMA framework delivers good results for the environment and the economy.”

ENDS

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