A Bluegreen Vision for New Zealand

On 6 October 2006 the New Zealand National Party introduced a major environment policy discussion document -- A Bluegreen Vision for New Zealand. That document was the centrepiece of discussion at the annual Bluegreens Forum, which took place over the ensuing two days, October 7-8. In announcing the document, Don Brash, then Leader of the National Party, wrote the following open letter.

"New Zealand’s environment is at the core of our quality of life, our national identity and our competitive advantage, yet it is not being well managed.

"Many of our streams, rivers and lakes are deteriorating. Greenhouse gas emissions are soaring. Barely a week passes without a new pest breaching our borders. Our forest estate is shrinking for the first time in decades. Current Government policies on oceans, waste, biodiversity and climate change have failed. New leadership and direction are needed.

"This paper on National's ideas for a way forward takes a distinctly 'Bluegreen' approach characterised by five important principles

· Resource use must be based on sustainability
· Economic growth and improving the environment can and must go hand in hand
· Good science is essential to quality environmental decision making
· People respond best to change when engaged and given incentives
· New Zealanders have a unique birthright to access and to enjoy our special places

"The environmental reforms advanced in the document are about a new framework based on best international practice but with a distinctly New Zealand flavour. These reforms will put the focus on better environmental outcomes for New Zealand by encouraging the key players to engage and find solutions.

"The need for a fresh approach is well illustrated by the polarised debate occurring over agriculture and the environment.

"It reminds me of the archaic debates over interest rates and inflation that served New Zealand so poorly in the 1970s and 1980s, but which ultimately led to a broad, multi-party consensus on the importance of removing the control of inflation from the political battleground. Environment policy similarly needs long-term stability and consistency.

"It is time to look at ideas like tradable permits in respect of water, carbon dioxide emissions and nitrogen. We believe hunters and fishers can take more responsibility for managing their own activities and the resources they use. We think we can get better value for money for the taxpayer and outcomes for the environment if we place more emphasis on backing groups like Landcare Trust, QEII Trust, Nga Whenua Rahui and the many private and community conservation organisations around New Zealand.

"National welcomes your feedback on these bold ideas as we put together a forward-looking plan for New Zealand."

To download the full discussion document in PDF format (880KB), click here.

The Bluegreens Forum venue was the Out of Styx Cafe at the magnificent Maungatautari Ecological Reserve.

For more about the Maungatautari Restoration Project, please click here.

To provide feedback on the discussion document -- or any other environmental issues -- please click here.