EDS calls for reform of Hauraki Gulf governance

Monday, 4 March 2019, 4:16 pm
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

The Environmental Defence Society today released its publication “Governance of the Hauraki Gulf: A review of options.” The report, co-authored by Raewyn Peart and Brooke Cox, recommends reforms to better address the continuing decline in the Gulf’s environment.

“The future of the Hauraki Gulf Forum has been the subject of concern amongst the Gulf community for some years,” said EDS Policy Director and report co-author Raewyn Peart.

“So we decided to help inform the discussion by examining the future form and function of a more effective governance entity for the Gulf.

“We reviewed a wide range of literature on natural resource governance together with previous reports commissioned by the Forum. We investigated working examples from overseas and elsewhere in New Zealand and developed three potential models for a future Forum.

“We recommend that the role of the Forum be strengthened so that it can be an effective champion for the Hauraki Gulf and help turn around the continuing environmental decline.

“This would include empowering the Forum to prepare and regularly review an Integrated Management Plan, which would build on the Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari marine spatial plan.

“The Forum would also be charged with overseeing the implementation of the Plan and planning documents prepared under other legislation would be required to give effect to it.

“A review of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act is well overdue. We would encourage the Minister of Conservation to get that underway given the national significance of the Hauraki Gulf and its ongoing environmental decline.

“We see our report as being timely, given the Government is in the process of establishing a Ministerial Advisory Group on implementation of the Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari plan,” concluded Ms Peart.

Hard copies of the report are available free of charge but payment for postage is required. You can order a hard copy here or a PDF version can be downloaded here.

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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.

Contact Environmental Defence Society

• Website - www.eds.org.nz
• Email - manager@eds.org.nz
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