7. LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō) Link to this
to the Minister for the Environment
What progress has the Government made on improving freshwater management in New Zealand, and the collaborative process outlined in National’s 2006 Bluegreen Vision document and 2008 election policy?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for the Environment) Link to this
Today we marked a significant milestone, with 58 diverse organisations with an interest in water coming to an agreed way forward on water reform. This milestone is as significant as the Forest Accord that was struck in the 1980s on the vexed issue of indigenous forests. It is significant that organisations as diverse as Federated Farmers, the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, Fish and Game, and Fonterra are recommending a way forward on how to progress better management of fresh water.
Does the Minister accept that proper measurement of water takes is an important part of improving management; if so, what steps is the Government taking to ensure that water takes are measured?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
We cannot manage what we do not measure. That is why the Government has moved to provide for—[ Interruption] Members opposite are interjecting; I think it is out of embarrassment that in 9 years Labour’s programme of action on water went absolutely nowhere. Only 31 percent of water takes by volume were measured. The new regulations coming into effect in November will ensure that 98 percent of water takes by volume will be measured by 2016.
What financial commitments has the Government already made to improving water quality in New Zealand, and how does this compare with spending over the past decade?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
This Government is investing $94 million in the 5 years from 2009 to 2014 in initiatives to clean up some of New Zealand’s iconic waterways—places like Lake Rotorua, the Waikato River, and Lake Taupō. The $94 million over 5 years compares with just $16 million, or one-fifth of that amount, spent in the previous 5 years. I think that shows the level of commitment that members on this side of the House have to improving New Zealand’s freshwater quality.