Bluegreens

Better for the environment, better for the economy.

New Zealands environment and our natural heritage hold the key to our nations future prosperity. As Bluegreens, an environmentally conscious group, we believe there is a need to keep reminding everyone that sustainable development is the way to prosperity. We are committed to getting it right and invite you to join us by passing on this newsletter. Hello Everyone The last few months have been a busy time for Bluegreens and the numerous groups and projects we have been involved with. The highlight was the Bluegreen Forum, in early March held at Tatum park near Levin. Over 100 people spent the day considering environmental issues and followed that with a field trip to pest-free Kapiti Island. At the Forum, Minster of Environment Hon Amy Adams announced the governments proposed plan of action based on the recommendations of the Land and Water Forum - to improve water quality and the way freshwater is managed. Read More She also launched a discussion document focusing on strengthening the Resource Management Act, and providing a framework to improve water quality and freshwater management. Read More The Minister of Conservation, Hon Nick Smith announced the approval of 5 new Marine Reserves on the West Coast. The Kahurangi, Punakaiki, Okarito, Tauparikaka and Hautai marine reserves cover 17, 500 hectares of magnificent South Island Coastline. Read More There was lively discussion around the positive outcomes for the environment, recreational activity and regional economic development of the Cycle trails around the country a real Bluegreen story better for the environment and better for the economy. Read More Also, a fascinating look at the concept of a Pest-Free New Zealand an idea that was included in our Bluegreen Vision in 2011 and that is gaining support and momentum across the country. Read More Overall, it was an excellent forum, lots of discussion, new thinking and planning for action to improve the environment, and New Zealanders opportunity to enjoy our special places. Youre invited to join us next year. .. Ill keep in touch.

Nicky Wagner Chair, Bluegreen Caucus Committee

Godley Head track back up and running

Christchurchs popular Godley Head coastal track was formally re-opened on Sunday 3 March 2013 by Minister of Conservation Dr Nick Smith, as part of Seaweek celebrations. Godley Head took a hammering in the earthquakes, with cliffs collapsing and extensive boulder falls. The track had to be closed as it was dangerous and impassable. The Department of Conservation (DOC) invested $480,000 in this rebuild with 450 tonnes of shingle flown to the site by helicopter. The track largely follows the original line except for the section where cliffs collapsed between Boulder Bay and the Taylor Battery site.

Hon Dr Nick Smith and Nicky Wagner at the re-opening of the Godley Head Track.

The re-opened track is wider, less steep and the stair section redesigned to make it more convenient. The track is better and safer, a story that will be repeated many times over with the rebuild of Christchurchs facilities. The Government is totally committed to Christchurchs full recovery and this is another small step on this hard journey.

Ng Harenga Cycle Network

There was excitement in the Pureora Forest over Easter as the latest completed trail in the Nga Haerenga cycle network was opened to the public. Along with Dr Hon Nick Smith, Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ulmer, local Iwi representatives and dozens of eager cyclists, MP for Taupo Louise Upston attended the official opening of the Pureora Timber Trail on Saturday March 30. It is so exciting that we have a recreational asset such as this right on our doorstep that is not only of national significance, but also of international significance, Louise said. Those venturing onto this trail will travel through ancient rain forests and across the ancestral homelands of several Central Opening of the Ng Harenga Cycle track with Sarah Ulmer North Island hap. Travellers will cross New Zealands longest cycle trail suspension bridge over the Maungatukutuku Stream, pass by spectacular rock formations and travel deep into extensive native bush. The Government contributed around $5.5 million to construct the Pureroa Timber Trail. Of that amount $2.1 million has come from the New Zealand Cycle Trail and the remainder has come through the Department of Conservation (DOC).

44 Hihi birds released

Last month the Busy Park Trust released 44 Hihi (Stitchbird) into their reserve just west of Whanganui City. The project has been a long time in gestation and is another in a growing list of releases since 1999 when Minister of Conservation agreed to Busy Park being granted status to home threatened species. Project Convenor, Allan Anderson, has advised The birds have settled in well and not one has left the park against all predictions of the naysayers. Most have made their home in a deep and densely forested gully at the back of the Park, even to the extent of establishing their own territories. In the meantime they are feasting on Marie berries and nectar from the Rata vines which are in full bloom. Allan led a project to fully enclose the 400 hectare native reserve about ten year ago and the Park is a wonderful example of local and national efforts to preserve threatened natural species. It is well worth a visit next time you are in or around Whanganui.

Male and Female Hihi Bird

MP Negotiates Freshwater Agreement

Across Rotorua we are starting to see real progress both in policy and in the improving quality of all our lakes, in particular Lake Rotorua. In February Rotorua farmers and regional council joined with me to reach a milestone agreement which signals a major turning point in the clean-up of the lake. The Lake Rotorua Primary Producers Collective, Federated Farmers and Bay of Plenty Regional Council signed the Oturoa Agreement - a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing on a way forward to reduce nutrients entering Lake Rotorua while recognising the importance of farming to the local economy. The Collective is made up of dairy farmers, drystock farmers and Te Arawa landowners within Lake Rotoruas catchment. The Memorandum sets out the principles and processes to meet nutrient reduction targets. Farmers and the Regional Council will cooperate and collaborate to achieve the sustainable nitrogen load by 2032, with 70 percent of the nitrogen reduction target for the catchment achieved by 2022. I expect this agreement will be the first of many as the Government continues to focus on getting our waterways back to clean health. If you would like more information on the Oturoa agreement visit my website http://www.toddmcclay.co.nz.

Todd McClay MP with (from left) BOP Regional Council chief executive Mary-Anne Macleod, Federated Farmers president Bruce Wills, Lake Rotorua Primary Producers Collective chair Tanira Kingi and Lakes Water Quality Society member Ian McLean following the signing of the Oturoa Agreement.

Proposed RMA changes

Environment Minister Amy Adams has spent the last two weeks travelling round the country holding a series of meetings with councils, iwi, environment groups, businesses and the public to discuss proposed changes to the resource management system. The Government has announced proposals aimed at strengthening the Resource Management Act (RMA), and improving water quality and the way freshwater is managed. Proposed changes to the RMA would make the system easier to use, increase certainty and predictability, attract investment, reduce unnecessary duplication and cost, whilst continuing to protect the environment. The freshwater proposals outline a plan of action for the most comprehensive and positive reform of New Zealands freshwater management system for a generation. The proposals are consistent with and based on the Land and Water Forums recommended approach and gives effect to their core recommendations. The meetings were a good opportunity for people to hear the reforms explained in greater detail, and to ask questions. It was also very useful for me to get feedback from the various communities and groups. In particular, the concept of a single plan for councils seems to be almost universally acknowledged as a good idea, while in the water space, the Governments proposal to introduce a National Objectives Framework, which includes national bottom lines for all waterways, has been well received.

Amy Adams speaking on RMA changes

As Bluegreens caucus members, we are committed to exploring environmental policy in areas such as biosecurity, conservation and outdoor recreation. We believe environmental issues are too important to be left to the fringe of politics and should be a mainstream issue or all New Zealanders. New Zealands environment and our national heritage hold the key to our nations future prosperity and we believe there is a need or an independent group of environmentally conscious people to keep reminding everyone that sustainable development is the way to prosperity. Its great to know that the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environment Effects) Bill has passed. New Zealanders love the sea and we have one of the largest and most diverse Extended Economic Zones in the world. Weve been talking about protecting it or years and now finally we have a legislative framework that will do just that.

CONTACT BLUEGREENS

FREEPOST: Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand | DDI: +64 4 817 6633 email: nicky.wagner@parliament.govt.nz | www.bluegreens.co.nz | facebook.com/Bluegreens
Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Nicky Wagner MP, 103 Salisbury Street, Christchurch

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