Environmental Reflections

EDS:The greening of New Zealand - election results

2011-11-29T20:23:18Z

An interesting article to digest:

New Zealand Herald opinion piece: The greening of New Zealand

by Gary Taylor

This article appears today in the New Zealand Herald. (29.11.2011)

The election results have seen support for the Greens surge past the 10% barrier for the first time. The remarkable number of seats they now hold reflects a shift in public sentiment: environment is now a mainstream concern.

Their success is due in part to a smart campaign from the Greens themselves. It can also be attributed to two big events during the past term of Parliament - the proposal to mine National Parks and the Rena disaster. Both revealed the depth of the strong public attachment to our wonderful environment and the need to take better care of it.

]]> This surge in environmental awareness goes beyond the Greens. Environmental issues resonated with many candidates from other parties throughout the election campaign. This has left many environmental groups feeling encouraged.

What is needed now is for National and the Greens to develop a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding for action on the environment, one that goes beyond tokenism and greenwash into substantive issues.

It's time to recalibrate environmental policy. We need to shift from ripping into our natural resources as if we were still 19th century pioneers to a clear recognition that there are environmental limits. Risks need to be managed with much more care.

Fortunately New Zealand is still blessed with incredible natural values, from our South Island High Country, to the flora and fauna of our native forests, to our 19,000 km of outstanding coastline. But some of those values are under threat and National and the Greens should explore new initiatives, including strengthening the Resource Management Act, to protect them from harm.

An important policy area for co-operation between National and the Greens is Freshwater management. It is a defining issue for our nation's brand integrity. Both parties endorsed the Land and Water Forum's formula for improved water quality but there is much still to be done. We need to make our polluted lakes, streams and rivers swimmable and fishable again.

On oceans management, National and the Greens both supported a wide-ranging inquiry into the response to the Rena disaster. We can therefore expect a revamp of our preparedness for future oil spills whether from coastal shipping, tankers, offshore oil wells or sunken wrecks along with a thorough assessment of avoidance strategies.

The Bill setting up an environmental management regime for oil, gas and offshore mining in our Exclusive Economic Zone will come under increased political and community scrutiny post Rena. It will at least need strengthening whilst some will argue that we should not be doing those activities at all.

More importantly, both National and the Greens are open to some really big and far-sighted reforms on overall oceans management to ensure we have state-of-the-art legislation covering fishing, marine mammal and seabird conservation, protected areas and marine spatial planning. Our oceans are large and vital to our economic welfare. Reform in this area is long overdue.

On climate change, we saw the ACT Party that denied climate change and eschewed the emissions trading scheme firmly rebuffed by the wider electorate. We know that the Greens would prefer a carbon tax to an ETS but the differences between them and National on the overall framework aren't that significant. There is room for negotiation around the phase-in of the agricultural sector and the rate of uptake of full obligations for others.

As the ETS enters its 3rd term of Parliament still intact, it seems likely it will survive as the pricing mechanism for carbon into the future.

There is also scope for additional complementary policies, reinforcing the ETS, to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The Greens will champion the green economy - the development of low carbon businesses based on investment in science and innovation. National is already moving in this direction and it would be good to see the transition to a low carbon economy pick up speed.

Overall, the election results can be seen as potentially positive for the environment. The National Party will have an expanded Bluegreens caucus while the number of Green MPs has increased to 13. So National and the Green Party should work together and make real progress on New Zealand's environmental agenda.

Gary Taylor is chairman of the Environmental Defence Society www.eds.org.nz

Oily birds; the Rena oilspill

2011-11-27T21:11:22Z

The Rena grounding on Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga in October 2011 is regarded as New Zealand’s worst maritime environmental disaster. The grounding caused 350 tonnes heavy fuel oil to leak into the sea from where it was carried by tidal currents and wind and deposited on nearby beaches. Bad for human commercial and recreational activities, but deadly for wildlife. Maritime New Zealand has recently released figures of some of the wildlife affected: http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/incident/

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500 birds can be housed at the Wildlife treatment and rehabilitation facility established in Te Maunga

409 animals being cared for at the wildlife facility

343 clean little blue penguins

2 oiled little blue penguin

4 clean pied shags

60 rare New Zealand dotterels pre-emptively caught and held in wildlife centre (100 rare New Zealand dotterels in Bay of Plenty area, 1,500 rare New Zealand dotterels in existence )

2,008 dead birds collected

It is estimated that if 2000 birds are found dead, then likely estimates of actual mortality of birds is in the range of 20,000. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10766074

And relatively speaking at 350 tonnes this is not a large spill on the scale of things. Exxon Valdez spilled a whole lot more....see:

http://www.eoearth.org/article/Exxon_Valdez_oil_spill?topic=58075

dotterel chick

Proposed Environment Reporting Bill

2011-09-27T02:38:21Z

High quality information on the environment supports high quality environmental planning.The Government is currently assessing the standard of environmental reporting and is proposing legislative change so as to improve environmental reporting in New Zealand. A discussion document has been prepared and it is currently open for submission. To read more go to: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/environmental-reporting/about/

Hamilton gullies

2011-09-27T02:26:19Z

To find out more about the Hamilton Gully Restoration Programme visit: http://www.gullyguide.co.nz/index.asp?pageID=2145821438

Ponga.BMP

Funding local projects - democratic choices - where the dollar goes

2011-09-27T00:17:40Z

Under New Zealand systems, communities have the opportunity to participate in where local authorities choose to spend the rating dollar. The Long Term Plan and Annual Plans made under the Local Government Act 2002 are vehicles which can be used for these discussions or alternatively they may arise as special projects.

]]> In a recession the choices get harder and more often than not relate to slashing budgets. New developments can attract considerable controversy as can the reduction of existing services. The home of cycling Velodrome provoked intense public debate - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10751931

And now for Hamilton the latest issue on the discussion table is funding for protection of Hamilton gully networks: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10754657

Do you have a view on these issues. Do you have any view on the value of the gullies - did you even know or notice that they exist? What are their benefits? What are their connections? What is the point of enhancing them and protecting them? When we are making these decisions how do we identify priorities? Do you consider these priorities are set right?

Planning - so many things to think about - so many decisions to make and make well.....

The irony of 100% pure and Department of Conservation cuts

2011-07-25T03:01:30Z

New Zealand is trading on its 100% pure image to attract and further develop tourism. The major draw card is New Zealand’s natural environment. Protected areas and other conservation lands and waters provide innumerable tourism opportunities. A very high percentage of our international tourists visit at least one Department of Conservation managed site during their stay. But what are we doing to support and give credence to the notion of 100% pure?

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The Department of Conservation has the enormous task of tending to the public conservation estate. These days it seems that the government focus is on recreational opportunities and business ventures. This is good to the point that we see people engaged with and enjoying the natural environment. Tramping, mountain biking, swimming, rafting, hunting and 4WD operations are all legitimate opportunities in different parts of the estate. We as New Zealanders cherish these opportunities as our birthright and our international visitors are similarly appreciative.

We must not forget however that the key mandate of the Department is conservation of the natural environment. Restoring, maintaining and enhancing the estate so that it continues to be available for future generations to enjoy the resources that we are prior generations have. Threatened species management is a key task of the Department, which has a major battle in its hands as it attempts to ward off the invasive mammalian predators decimating key species. News of a stoat population on Kapiti Island is a significant blow. Eradication and restoration to pest free status is projected to cost $200,000 alone. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10739782

So, what with keeping recreational assets in top condition for tourists and preventing much of our biodiversity from being mere memories, the Department, which is small in comparison to others, has a massive task to accomplish. Central government response to this task has been persistent and ongoing budget cuts, the last round of which surely cuts the hearts out of key conservancies.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10736971

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10734300

They tell us that the way forward is to look for more business opportunities, but I have an uncomfortable feeling that this may not necessarily be enough. It’s understandable that in the year of the devastating earthquakes in Christchurch, when the country’s borrowings are reaching unprecedented levels that restraint is necessary. However, citing the loss of largely office jobs in DoC and intentions to keep conservation outputs at the same level despite the cuts, rings hollow.

In 2009 the Government took $54 million off DoC- $13.5 million every year over 4 years. Then we have a further restructuring to remove 100 jobs. And now there is the intention to take another $320 million out of the public sector of which Doc will have to pay its share.

What do these losses on the ground mean- simply the removal of paper shufflers? I don’t think so. These cuts will likely include dedicated researchers, scientists and analysts. People who have dedicated their lives to conservation. People with experience in the field of managing threatened species populations, with qualifications boosting these skills. People who we need if we intend to manage biodiversity and project the image that the Government platforms upon.

It’s all very good to claim that things will be the same despite the cuts. With a Department already struggling with resources, cuts on this level must bring into question which species is lost next and potentially which recreational asset fails or is lost to the public domain.

Heading towards 4C: what could it mean for NZ

2011-06-07T02:40:34Z

by Mairi Jay

The International Energy Agency, an organisation charged with advising its member states (Australia, NZ, Canada, the US and the European Union) about energy policy and security, has just issued its conclusion that CO2 emissions in 2010 were the highest in history, and that 80% of projected 2020 emissions from the energy sector are already locked in (i.e. they involve energy generation from fossil fuels that are already existing or under construction). An IEA spokesperson suggests that “This significant increase in CO2 emissions and the locking in of future emissions due to infrastructure investments represent a serious setback to our hopes of limiting the global rise in temperature to no more than 2°C” (http://www.iea.org/index_info.asp?id=1959).

]]> http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/nov/29/climate-change-scientists-4c-temperature. An average global temperature increase of this range will be catastrophic. It will cause devastating impacts on the world’s climate, water resources, agriculture and diversity of life. It is likely to mean widespread food insecurity as age-old patterns of agriculture face rapid change, more human conflict (over water and other precious resources) and climate refugees. Climate scientist experts have warned of a 4° C increase in average global temperatures (

New Zealand MUST do more to anticipate and adapt to the projected changes in sea level and climate, and to increase its national self-sufficiency in critical resources and machinery. We also need to anticipate the flow-on effects of environmental refugees from the Pacific Islands.

Planners can help the adjustment process by planning for communities that use less resources of energy and water and that encourage social cohesion. We will survive the future better if we are a people that help each other than a people that throw each other to the dogs.

Renewable energy and the limits of the environment

2011-05-31T02:31:19Z

Renewable energy in forms such as hydro, wind, solar, tidal and biofuel are being viewed by many as the path to salvation. The way forward to limit and potentially avoid the spectre of global climate change. New Zealand has set hefty targets to promote and develop renewable energy sources. The New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011 records that the government retains the aspirational, but achievable, target that 90 percent of electricity generation be from renewable sources by 2025 (in an average hydrological year) providing this does not affect security of supply.

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Not to dampen enthusiasm for measures aimed at producing environmental benefits, it is important, however, to recall the potential adverse social and ecological consequences of some renewable developments. The history of public opposition to dam building in New Zealand is an indicator of public concern relative to such consequences. Current opposition to projects such as the Mohikinui dam is a clear example- see http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/campaigns/save-mokihinui-damn-dam. Similarly on an international scale dams such as the Gabcikovo Nagymaros on the Danube have created sufficient public consternation to create conflict between states , requiring resolution through the International Court of Justice.

The latest hydro development to make global headlines along these lines is the enormous Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China. This is the world’s largest hydro dam which creates a reservoir with a length of 600km. However, the Guardian reports that the Chinese State Cabinet has warned of urgent problems facing the dam; the risk of geological disaster linked to soil erosion, quakes, drought and social upheaval. To read more see http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/20/three-gorges-dam-china-warning

This all comes at the same time as China is facing the most severe drought in 50 years, with sections of the Yangtze River drying up. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/may/25/china-drought-crisis-yangtze-dam Although the loss to the river is considered to be caused primarily by the drought, clearly any removal of water in this situation will contribute to loss suffered.

And that loss suffered is widespread. It includes loss of species, habitat, quality of the environment, including access to potable water, access to navigation, economic loss, and other forms of social and cultural loss. People and the environment are intimately entwined. In looking to provide for people we need to anticipate the limits of the environment and be concerned first and foremost with preservation of environmental integrity. For without it humans cannot continue.

Planning for killer worms

2011-05-05T22:49:33Z

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/155810/highway-threatens-killer-worm

Take a look at this article which raises classic planning issues in an unusual form.

What do you think?

Young Kiwis fear apartment living

2011-05-03T23:19:50Z

(Photo: Rototuna, Hamilton)

The greatest fear for young New Zealanders is the prospect of living in a city apartment according to a United Nations survey conducted by Canterbury University academic Bronwyn Hayward. She said that young people feared apartment living because it would cut them off from outdoor pursuits. This may be one factor fuelling the continual demand in New Zealand for single storey housing in suburban locations with all the long term implications that this has for urban sprawl and car useage.

See:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4934946/Young-Kiwis-fear-apartment-living

Planning for growth...planning for shrinking....

2011-04-05T23:56:02Z

Due to increasing global populations, planners often focus on planning for growth - how to fit more development in, where to locate it and how to manage the effects. What happens when areas start to shrink? Put your brains partially in reverse and read about the interesting planning problems facing the City of Detroit in this New York Times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/us/06detroit.html?src=ISMR_AP_LO_MST_FB

John Travolta and the fin fish

2011-04-05T02:19:24Z

Yesterday we had an excellent seminar from Graeme Silver on finfish farming in the Waikato. Graeme is a coastal planner with the Waikato Regional Council and is involved in planning and managing aquaculture in the Region.

Central Government has introduced the Aquaculture Legislation Amendment Bill (No 3) which if enacted will change the way aquaculture is regulated. This bill is an omnibus bill that amends the Resource Management Act 1991, the Fisheries Act 1996, and other Acts. The new legislation would see provisions inserted directly into the Regional Coastal Plan, and potentially opens the door to further aquaculture in Region, including fin fish farming. From my point of view this represents a strong shift away from the traditional RMA approach whereby decision making is devolved to Regional and local levels. In this instance Central government has taken the power from the Region in order to shape regulation to fit national goals.

]]> Finfish farming is a new concept for the Region and the Regional council will be involved in scrutinising the adverse and positive effects of proposals. For discussion of some of the issues related to fish farming see the earlier blog by Mairi Jay in October 2010 Targeted species include hapuku and kingfish, which would be raised in pens located in open water in areas zoned as suitable by the new legislation.

The economic benefits for the Region appear substantial, but it is also apparent that there are significant risks to be managed including biosecurity issues, pollution by increased nutrients from food and therapeutants, impact on wild populations, sustainability of feed systems, impacts on recreation and animal welfare issues.

These are issues we need to think carefully about. Fin fish farming brings to light the twin discourses sitting underneath the contested concept of sustainability. Ecological modernisation embraces new technology with a view to providing for all and solving related problems with new approaches. The opportunity to trial integrated multi-trophic aquaculture would fit this concept well. A risk society approach would err on the precautious side, electing not to advance with proposals where unanticipated or unknown consequences could arise. Fin fish farming will test the bounds of sustainability as we know it under the RMA.

The idea of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture is very seductive- it uses a range of farmed species acting in an interconnected manner to help ameliorate adverse effects on the environment. Fin fish are kept in large pens and sitting below them are other species such as lobster and sea urchins, caged, which feed on the excess fish feed and waste. In addition suspension feeders such as mussels are used to recycle organic nutrients and adjacent are farmed seaweeds to absorb waste and produce oxygen through photosynthesis. Theoretically a neat concept, however I can’t help but think that proliferation of such systems will simply create the New York of all battery farms.

But anyway at least the fish will have disco: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10715225

Maersk, a global shipping company, is reducing its carbon footprint

2011-03-22T19:14:33Z

The website Carbonpositive reports that the giant shipping company, Maersk, is reducing its consumption of fossil fuel (bunker fuel) by cutting travel speeds. Maersk is one of the main transport companies for New Zealand exports.

According to the article (www.carbonpositive.net/viewarticle.aspx?articleID=2278) Maersk reports that between 2007 and 2010 it reduced its CO2 emissions per container by 14.5% by improving operational efficiency, most particularly by slow steaming. The company has set itself the target for reducing CO2 emissions by 25% per container moved by 2020 compared to 2007 levels.

This has implications implications for New Zealand. Fonterra exports 95% of its milk to nearly 150 countries. Maersk provided the logistics of getting NZ milk from point A to point B. By achieving (and setting) significant CO2 reductions in transport, it means that the environmental impact of our dairy products is reduced. It also sets a standard that Fonterra can aspire to. Wouldn't it be great If Fonterra would set itself the standard of reducing the carbon footprint of each container load of dairy product from cow to container! It would be a source of pride for all of us.

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Photo Source: www.seanews.com.tr/article/TURSHIP/CONTAINER/49790/Maersk-Line-NZ-relay-service/ - announcing a regular Maersk service between Nelson, Napier and Auckland and Malaysia

Census of marine life

2011-03-18T01:52:13Z

The Census of Marine Life has just announced the publication a new document entitled Scientific Results to Support the Sustainable Use and Conservation of Marine Life. The report can help marine planners, resource managers and policy makers to craft science-based policy. It summarizes the discoveries, tools and technologies from the decade-long Census of Marine Life. Included are examples and data that can inform decisions about ecosystem and species level protection. It discusses findings about marine habitat degradation and rehabilitation and introduces Census-developed tools to identify biodiversity hotspots and large-scale ecological patterns and analyze distributions of species over time and space.

Even if you are not a policy-maker or marine planner, the report provides a wonderful view on the majesty and mystery of life in the oceans. It is well supported by maps and illustrations which help to give a much greater appreciation of marine biodiversity.

The report is available for download from http://www.coml.org/policy-report.

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Tarakihi off Kapiti Island. Source: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/marine-conservation/7/1/1

Japanese crisis and nuclear energy - planning for what we don't fully understand or expect

2011-03-15T23:53:03Z

In planning for the environment it is easy to be seduced by received or accepted wisdom in relation to new technology. The Japan crisis underscores the power of nature and the importance of the precautionary principle in terms of environmental planning.

Read of the reaction in Europe to the crisis at:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10712699

Why is it that we need a crisis of this magnitude to ask the questions that European policy makers ask now?

For the people of Japan, I can only hope that the nuclear issues are resolved speedily and efficiently so that you have the opportunity to begin recovery from such a devastating event. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.