8/03/2006 - Environment
Minister David Benson-Pope is encouraging
New Zealanders to get involved in the range
of activities taking place around the country
during Seaweek (5-12 March).
“The sea is a very important part of life
for many New Zealanders, and a resource
which has to be protected and enhanced,”
David Benson-Pope said.
“Seaweek is an opportunity for everyone
to think below the surface to our oceans;
including the creatures, minerals, plants
and seascape and about how we can protect
this precious environment.
“The Ministry for the Environment has created
pages on its website for children to read
about our oceans and to ask questions during
Seaweek and beyond, so they too can understand
the value of our ocean environment.
“Events are taking place around the country
and include guided snorkeling events, photography
competitions, carnivals, sand sculpture
competitions, and talks on aspects of the
marine environment.”
Mr Benson-Pope said the government has
restarted work on forming an Oceans Policy
to manage New Zealand’s entire marine environment,
from the shoreline to the edge of the 200
mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and to
the continental shelf beyond.
“In July I will take the policy proposals
to New Zealanders to discuss how they feel
our oceans can be best managed.
“There are currently 18 agencies working
with different demands and laws for our
oceans, but we don’t have a national direction
for future management. It is now imperative
to set up a more strategic approach to managing
this resource.”
The government intends to complete the
policy by the end of this year.
“I want the Oceans Policy to be a flagship
of sustainable development in action, and
a means of optimising the value of our oceans
to New Zealand,” said David Benson-Pope.
Seaweek is an annual national event coordinated
by the New Zealand Association for Environmental
Education. Visit: www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/oceans
to read more about the policy.
For more information, about events happening
across the country, visit: www.doc.govt.nz
or www.nzaee.org.nz.
