Otago Canoe and Kayak Club

Conservation

Urgent action for river users. 
While the Resource Management Act (RMA) may not be perfect, it is all that we have to protect free flowing rivers. 
We know from practical experience that it does protect our environment and allow for public participation. However, big business lobbies have complained that the RMA prevents them getting on with their important projects. 
So much so, that they have asked that the RMA be changed to provide for the "national interests". 
I have been around long enough to know what this actually means for kayakers. 
In the late 1970s, the then Prime Minister, Robert Muldoon did the same thing to get the Clyde Dam. 
He called it the "National Development Act", which resulted in the loss of our major white water rivers for a project which is environmentally and economically unsound. 
A coalition of 13 national organisations has written to Helen Clark urging her to defend the (RMA).
 But we can also take action and speak for our rivers. 
Put Simply, you could do 3 things. 
1 Send a letter to the Prime Minister and tell her you do not want the RMA weakened. 
  Explain you want the environmental protection and public participation to be kept intact. 
  (This letter does   not need a stamp so how much easier can it be) 
2 Get an appointment with your local MP and talk about the situation from your point of view. 
3 Encourage a friend to do the same.
 Finally, just letting you know that, legislation will be in government by the end of this September. 'Interested parties' intend getting it passed into law by the end of 2004. 
Your voice will make a difference.
Maggie.

one of O.C.K.C. and also the NZRCA's main aims. If you are interested in or  have
knowledge of the following,
* interested in the state of NZ's rivers
* full of bright ideas on how NZ's rivers should be protected
* experience with the Resource Management Act (RMA)
* experience in Planning Law, or
* knowledge of hydrology, engineering and other sciences that have relevance to the working of rivers.
- then please contact a member of the OCKC committee or the national 
network, "Conservation Confluence" conservation@rivers.org.nz  Hopefully with 
lots of input we will be better prepared to protect our beautiful rivers.

The latest issues facing paddlers in the South Island are on the Hurunui 
and Rangitata rivers

The river teaches us where we have been, where we are now, and where we
might be going. Eddie Durie, Chief Judge, Maori Land Court.

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