Forest & Bird says the Government’s proposed resource management reforms risk taking New Zealand down a path that further weakens protections for the environment, from mountains to sea and urban\u00a0green\u00a0spaces\u00a0in between.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Acting General Counsel May Downing\u00a0says communities will bear unnecessary costs when they choose to protect nature under the\u00a0proposed Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNew Zealanders want planning laws that\u00a0protect our unique\u00a0nature, rather than\u00a0laws that penalise\u00a0communities\u00a0trying\u00a0to safeguard k\u0101k\u0101 and kerer\u016b habitats for future generations,\u201d Ms Downing says.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
“These reforms will shape New Zealand for decades to come. We have a choice between a path that protects nature and one that\u00a0erodes\u00a0environmental safeguards that support our wellbeing and economy.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
Forest & Bird is particularly concerned about the impact of the reforms on biodiversity, freshwater, and environmental\u00a0limits.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Our native plants and animals are found nowhere else, yet the proposed reforms remove the requirement to identify\u00a0and protect\u00a0Significant Natural Areas,” says\u00a0Ms\u00a0Downing.\u00a0\u201cUrban tree protections\u00a0seem to be\u00a0entirely\u00a0absent.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The organisation is also concerned the reforms\u00a0fail to\u00a0establish\u00a0strong environmental\u00a0limits.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
“The reforms do not include any\u00a0freshwater\u00a0limits, but healthy freshwater is vital for communities and wildlife.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Environmental\u00a0limits are the bottom lines that nature needs to survive. If those\u00a0limits can be weakened or exceeded, they stop doing the job they’re intended to do.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ms\u00a0Downing says New Zealanders should not have to choose between a healthy environment and prosperous communities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
“We can build the homes, infrastructure, and economy we need while still protecting the rivers, wetlands, landscapes, and wildlife that make this country special.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“The question is\u00a0which path\u00a0politicians\u00a0want to take\u00a0the country down.”\u00a0<\/p>\n