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Leader's LetterMARCH 2005
Open Up Marine Reserve ProcessNew Zealand has more coastline than most countries, a wide range of marine habitats and a great diversity of underwater life. The conservation of our uniqueness is obviously in the national interest - as is the conservation of our way of life, but this requires the right mix of policy.New Zealand currently has 17 marine reserves with another five proposals under consideration. Recent experience, such as the Mimiwhangata and Aotea Great Barrier proposals, showed the singular determination of the Department of Conservation to push on with its proposals despite the requirements of appropriate consultation, especially with the local community. New Zealand First is developing a new approach to marine reserves.We are proposing a regime where the measures needed to assist in the preservation, protection and sustainable management of an area begin with the local community and an integrated management of the total marine area is developed. It is time to end the ‘cart-beforethe-horse’ regime of the current Government. We need to ensure that all local affected parties are represented: commercial and recreational fishers, local environmental groups, charter and tourist operators, scientists and researchers, the local regional council, and tangata whenua. Fiordland is an example where “gift and gains” have resulted in the potential for long term prudent conservation.With community development, careful management, adequate monitoring and determined enforcement, when required, a marine park concept could be a real alternative to marine reserves. Such a park would replace “no take forever” with “responsible some take” when comprehensive knowledge of the resource has been acquired. In the interim, there is an IMMEDIATE need to set up independent and objective final hearing groups to adjudicate upon the Department of Conservation’s proposals and applications. For too long DOC has been applicant, judge and jury while the public have been left out in the cold. We can fix it! Jim Peters MP
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