Nick Smith, Kate Wilkinson29
January, 2011 - Environment Minister Dr
Nick Smith and Conservation Minister Kate
Wilkinson today called for public input
into a proposed National Policy Statement
on New Zealand’s indigenous biodiversity
announced at the Bluegreens Forum in Akaroa.
“Protecting biodiversity
is one of the most difficult environmental
issues New Zealand faces because we have
so many unique species that evolved quite
separately from the rest of the world,”
Dr Smith said. “This policy is about providing
greater guidance to councils on the balance
that needs to be found in protecting our
unique plant and bird life while respecting
the reasonable rights of property owners
to use and develop their land.
“This proposed National
Policy Statement on biodiversity under the
Resource Management Act sets out the Government’s
expectations and guidance of how local councils
will protect biodiversity on private land.
It also delivers on National’s 2008 election
promise and commitment to the Maori Party.
It recognises rare and threatened species
are not just found in national parks, but
rare and threatened habitats, such as wetlands
and lowland native forests, and occur on
private land throughout the country.
“This proposed National
Policy Statement is part of a wider agenda
of providing stronger national leadership
and guidance on environmental issues.”
Ms Wilkinson said New
Zealand’s indigenous biodiversity was not
only vital to our environment, but also
to our agricultural, horticultural and tourism
industries.
“Many of our native
plants and animals are found only in New
Zealand. Once a species is gone, it is gone
forever. This proposed Biodiversity NPS
provides a flexible approach for councils,
recognising that specific regions will have
their own unique issues to address.”
“The Government is seeking
submissions from landowners, councils, Maori,
environmental groups and other New Zealanders
by 2 May 2011 to ensure the final policy
statement has balance and broad support.”
The
proposed Indigenous Biodiversity NPS can
be found at: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/npsbiodiversity
Thank Yo
