 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Leader's LetterSeptember 2003
Local Government IssuesResource Management Earlier this year the Local Government Select Committee spent several weeks considering submissions made to the Resource Management (No 2) Bill. New Zealand First opposed the Bill, first because it had clauses which were in conflict with the Local Government Act 2002, and secondly because a decade after the first Resource Management Act, there has been no comprehensive attempt to reform the resource process, especially with regard to the time taken to gain a consent.
Dogs The committee has also been hearing submissions on the Local Government Reform Bill No 2, which would tighten the laws surrounding dog control. There are various views within our caucus and across other parties on this issue. My personal opinion is that the problem centres around enforcement. Current dog control laws are adequate but there is widespread variation in the methods and levels of enforcement. Christchurch City Council, for example, has an effective system in place which is considered to be working. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the recent ‘spate’ of dog attacks was not unusual; what was unusual was the intensity of media interest in the events. The risks of non-compliance are real if owning a dog becomes expensively regulated, as well as creating a security problem for those dog owners who keep dogs for their personal security. The intended Act needs to be a practical, commonsense one which balances the rights and responsibilities of dog owners, and allows for restricted access on reserved parts of parks and reserves. Meanwhile, the committee is hearing submissions and will report back to the House in October. Corngate The committee has been involved in another issue, inquiring into the GE Corn issue which emerged during last year’s election campaign. Nicky Hager’s book, “The Seeds of Distrust”, and his claims were the subject of an interview with John Campbell (TV3) and the Prime Minister. There was a strong impression that the event of possible contaminated corn was discussed by relevant ministries and Cabinet in late November and early December 2000 The select committee has called for submissions and senior government officials have been interviewed as well as the Minister for the Environment. The committee has a vast file of information and will report much later in the year. Marine Reserves The Marine Reserves Bill is one strand in the overarching framework of the ongoing oceans policy, which is as yet ill defined. There has been a lack of consultation with Maori, commercial interests and other interested parties. The Bill would, among other things, allow the creation of reserves within 200 nautical miles of New Zealand, instead of the current 12-mile limit. Maori groups claim the proposed legislation has weak scientific validity and will affect Maori’s ability to exercise their customary fishing rights. Commercial interests fear that their present access and quotas will be curtailed, threatening their livelihood, while landowners and investors are concerned that their property rights and investments may be compromised. Recreational users fear that access to and enjoyment of marine areas will be affected. It is vital that sound decision-making, informed by wide consultation and discussion, forms the basis of marine policies. Above all there must be an integrated comprehensive approach to marine fisheries management. New Zealand First has consistently sought that the proposed oceans policy be completed and made public before any further development and suggested use of our marine areas occurs. New Zealand needs a strategic and long-term view enabling us to maintain our resources to the benefit of all. Jim Peters MP
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||