by frog
Russel has spent yesterday pointing out that the newly released and misnamed ‘Plan for Action‘ on water quality is quite a different sort of document to the one that might have been drafted if it had been based on consultation with iwi, environmental groups and ordinary people as the Ministry for the Environment had been trying to do.
Instead we have been given a plan drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture with input from Fonterra, Dairy NZ, the Foundation for Arable Research, Horticulture NZ, Meat and Wool NZ, NZ Forest Owners Association, NZ Farm Forestry Association, Irrigation NZ, Fertiliser Manufacturers Research Association and Federated Farmers.
“Of course these groups should be involved in government moves to clean up our rivers and lakes and some members of these organisations are deeply sincere and committed to doing so,” Dr Norman said.
“But Mr Anderton needs to come clean himself and tell us how many meetings he’s had with ordinary families who live alongside these rivers, and who can no longer drink from them or swim in them…
“Once again, good farmers who do the right thing are being let down by the government failure to introduce common water quality standards for all waterways and all farmers.”
Personally, I reckon this shows the need for eels, frogs and the like to have some sort of national peak body that represents us at these sorts of policy hui too. It would be great to have an anthropomorphic trout seated between Jim Anderton, Andrew Ferrier and Charlie Pederson at the next gathering.
Meanwhile Russel is still looking for a chance to debate these issues with Federated Farmers President Charlie Pedersen. If anyone sees Mr Pedersen feel free to pass on that Russel is keen to talk with him.
Published in Environment & Resource Management by frog on Wed, June 11th, 2008
Tags: Andrew Ferrier, Charlie Pederson, eel, farming, Jim Anderton, Plan for Action, Russel Norman, trout, water
on the trolls and those who are unable to keep on topic
Woohoo! Debate! Good luck
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I’m betting Charlie Pedersen doesn’t have the chutzpah to to debate Russel.
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Its great to see Russell lifting the lid on water issues at the national level. There is a risk that any momentum gained at the local level for more sustainable water management may be thwarted by these groups at the national level. In fact it is of no surprise to me that the efforts of the industry groups are becoming more obvious now at the national level, given they are beginning to be out-numbered (or left behind) at the local level.
Go the debate, although I’d be surprised if Pedersen has got the cahooners to turn up. I would also like to see the water issues debated with the other political parties, perhaps even the environment quacker (minister) himself.
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