Auckland / Waikato News Index> September2007

The Environment Waikato Council’s decisions regarding Waikato’s land, water, soil, air, and coastal resources affect us all directly, and reach well into the future to affect future generations.

Throughout the Waikato, a range of activities and developments continue to put pressure on our natural resources and it is Environment Waikato’s job to ensure that both existing and new developments and activities are environmentally sustainable.

“Regional Council elections appear to generate less public interest than territorial council and mayoral elections, yet it is the regional councils that make decisions on the environment that is crucial to community wellbeing,” said Murray Young, chairman Auckland Waikato Fish & Game Council.

To assist voters to choose wisely during Environment Waikato’s elections the Auckland Waikato Fish & Game Council is hosting a public forum on Thursday 20 September 7.30-9.30pm at the Whare Tapere Iti, WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts, Waikato University.

“The Environment Waikato candidates have been invited to present their views and ideas on the future of Waikato’s fresh water and there will be some opportunity for questions from the floor.”

“Fish & Game aims to provide a neutral public forum for candidates to express their views to the wider public on their aspirations for their region’s natural water resources, and hear some feedback. We make no judgements on candidates’ positions, and wish simply to raise the profile of this important election and encourage voters to look to future management of their natural resources.”

Keith Thompson, National Wetlands Trustee and ex-senior lecturer in ecology and environmental science at the University of Waikato will chair the meeting.

“While we advocate strongly for the protection and restoration of freshwater quality, it is the Waikato community that chooses its own future. Through these public meetings, voters have the opportunity of getting to know their Environment Waikato Council candidates better and their intentions with respect to our regional environment.”

To facilitate the meeting, candidates have been asked to respond to three questions:

1. Should Waikato’s lowland streams, rivers and lakes be safe for contact recreation (such as swimming, kayaking and fishing)? If so, what steps will you take in your term to address the quality of freshwater in your region?

2. Do you think that primary industry should be responsible for avoiding, remedying or mitigating its adverse effects on freshwater, or whether such impacts should reasonably be borne by the local community? What steps will you take in your term to address your position?

3. Should commercial users of large amounts of freshwater pay a resource rental for the private use of this public resource? If so, how might this revenue be collected, spent and what steps will you take in your term to address your position?

Parking will be available at Gate 2B Knighton Road, Hamilton WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts, Waikato University. A map of the venue can be downloaded from www.waikato.ac.nz/academy

MEDIA are encouraged to attend the public meeting. For further information contact:

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