Press release - February 3, 2009
Weakening the Resource Management Act (RMA) deals a further blow to New Zealand’s clean green brand, says Greenpeace.
"New Zealand's reputation is already weakened by one of the
worst climate change records in the developed world, water
pollution from industrial dairying and unsustainable fisheries,"
said Greenpeace Political Advisor Geoff Keey. "Today's announcement
just makes New Zealand look worse.
"The reforms prioritise growth and development over the
environment, which is nonsensical when the sustainability of that
growth is entirely dependent on the environment. As Tourism
Minister, John Key should know that gutting New Zealand's
environment protection law is not going to serve us well in the
long term."
Keey said the Prime Minister should look to UK Conservative
Leader David Cameron and new US President Barack Obama, who were
both making environmental action a priority. "New Zealand is
looking increasingly isolated and behind the times on the world
stage.
"The Government seems to have forgotten that many overseas
consumers won't visit New Zealand or buy New Zealand products if
they discover our clean green reputation is a con.
"In these times of economic crisis, one of our key means of
survival will be our clean green brand. Weakening New Zealand's
environmental laws is counterproductive because it will leave that
brand in tatters."
Keey said the changes to the RMA would help electricity
companies build fossil fuel power stations without worrying about
local opposition, such as from John Key's constituents near the
proposed Rodney power station.
The lack of consultation over the reforms was insulting.
"They mark a major change to the rights and duties of New
Zealanders and they should have put out to public consultation
before being tabled in Parliament. New Zealanders will struggle to
understand an attack on their rights of this scale before it
becomes law, which smacks of an ambush."
Keey said the only part of the reform that was good for the
environment was the proposed increase in fines for
non-compliance.
Other contacts: Geoff Keey – Greenpeace Political Advisor - 021 504 486
Kathy Cumming – Greenpeace Communications and Media – 021 495 216
Exp. contact date: 2009-10-08 00:00:00