| Water Conservation Orders under threat |
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| An early conservation success for EDS was the creation of Water Conservation Orders (WCOs) through the Water and Soil Conservation Amendment Act 1981. Gary Taylor (EDS) and Bryce Johnson (Acclimatisation Societies) worked with the National government to secure the law’s passage, which later evolved into Part 9 of the Resource Management Act 1991. | Today, there are 16 WCOs across the motu – but their future is uncertain. With the imminent repeal and replacement of the RMA, Ministers have yet to decide whether WCOs will be retained or scrapped. EDS has a history here, not just in the genesis of WCO law, but as a key player in establishing several early orders such as the Motu, Ahuriri and Rakaia. Federated Farmers wants WCOs gone. We want them to endure. If you agree, write to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform, Hon Chris Bishop, and let him know. |
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| | | Oceans project producing the goods |
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| EDS’s multi-year oceans project reached a seminal point last month with the release of Pathway to Oceans Reform, a synthesis of previous case studies and working papers, alongside Caring for Te Pēwhairangi – Bay of Islands, the final case study in the series. The Bay of Islands case study makes for sobering reading. It reveals a marine environment in ecological decline, arguably in as parlous a state as the Hauraki Gulf. Both reports set out practical solutions for turning things around. | | The next stage in our oceans policy work will be a comprehensive review of the Quota Management System, which is over 40 years old and needs a tune-up. Expressions of interest from potential funders are welcome. | Meantime, join us for a special webinar on the main report Pathway to Oceans Reform with the report’s author and long-time marine policy expert, Raewyn Peart, who will discuss options for real change in this vitally important realm. | Tuesday 21st October, 12-12.45 pm free online, but bookings are essential. | Read Pathway to Oceans Reform | Read Caring for Te Pēwhairangi – Bay of Islands | Register for the webinar |
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| | | Once upon a time in Aotearoa New Zealand |
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| | EDS News subscribers will recall that last year we released Environmental Defenders: Fighting for our natural world - a full colour, coffee-table history of the Environmental Defence Society since its inception in 1971. The book tells part of the story of Aotearoa: our special places, the fights to save them, and the ongoing effort to protect nature. | Adding a fresh perspective, independent Newsroom journalist Fox Meyer last month wrote two long-form features on EDS and our special place within the wider environmental movement. Thoroughly researched and engaging, they offer a contemporary review of our work and influence. | Buy Environmental Defenders | Read the Newsroom stories Part 1 and Part 2 |
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| | | Santana’s gold mine in the high country |
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| | The long-deferred fast-track application for the Bendigo-Ophir gold mine is expected shortly. The company reports that it has found the preparation of its application challenging and rightly so: it is a very big project with serious environmental implications that need careful investigation. In our view, Santana has failed to produce the required cost-benefit analysis for the project. Without it, consent cannot be assumed. | EDS will confirm its formal position on the application once all supporting information is available. But given the sheer scale of the proposal and its sensitive receiving environment, it is essential that a reasonable timeframe be provided to allow for a proper hearing – including cross-examination of expert witnesses. |
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| | | Looking for positivity and practical pathways to accelerate Aotearoa’s next economy? Attend Next Fest this November. This high-energy festival ignites innovation, forges connections and drives change. Hear from George Monbiot and other big-stage voices, connect with entrepreneurs cutting carbon, reducing waste, regenerating nature and creating social value. Leave with partnerships, insights and momentum to scale impact. Register here by 10 October - EDS News subscribers get $100 off Access-All-Areas tickets. |
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| | | Note your diaries: EDS conferences in election year |
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| | Our 2026 environmental summit will be a special joint event with Forest & Bird, timed for the election, and will take place at the Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland, on 24–25 June 2026. | | Our Climate Change and Business Conference, organised jointly with the Sustainable Business Council and the Climate Leaders Coalition, is scheduled to take place at the Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland, on 7-8 September 2026. |
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| | | | For more information contact manager@eds.org.nz. | | If you no longer wish to receive emails from the Environmental Defence Society, you can unsubcribe via Opt-Out. |
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