Tuesday, 11 July 2023 15:55

Biodiversity will be biggest loser - Groundswell

Written by  Staff Reporters
Groundswell NZ environment spokesperson Jamie McFadden. Groundswell NZ environment spokesperson Jamie McFadden.

Rural lobby group Groundswell NZ says biodiversity will be the biggest loser if the Government's new biodiversity legislation is passed.

Last week, Associate Minister for the Environment James Shaw announced a new package of measures designed to protect native wildlife and at-risk habitats, including a National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity.

“The more landowners do to look after biodiversity, the more they are penalised with rules, bureaucratic interference, and costs,” says Groundswell NZ’s environmental spokesperson Jamie McFadden.

McFadden says the new legislation turns biodiversity into a liability and is “a smack in the face” for landowners who have been proactive in protecting and enhancing biodiversity on their land.

“It is a disincentive for anyone wanting to do the right thing for the environment,” he says.

“It is so disappointing to see a Labour/Greens Government fail to recognize that having motivated, empowered landowners is fundamental to protecting biodiversity on private land.”

McFadden claims the Government is hypocritical to demand landowners protect biodiversity when current climate change policies have caused the loss of thousands of hectares of native shrublands from conversion to pine forests.

“This Government doesn’t care for the environment,” he says. “They care more about control and looking good on the world stage by achieving performative targets.”

More like this

Paris Agreement - in or out?

OPINION: Defenders of New Zealand remaining bound to the Paris Agreement typically run the same argument. They do not explain the benefits of remaining bound to Paris, because there are none. At least none that are certain and enduring.

Featured

Nichol is new PGW chair

A day after the ouster of PGG Wrightson’s chair and his deputy, the listed rural trader’s board has appointed John Nichol as the new independent chair.

Fieldays to rebuild Mystery Creek services building

The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter