Life's a Beach, So Who Cares? - Dunedin

02 July 2001

Dunedin: Otago Regional Council Chambers,
70 Stafford Street,
Wednesday 4 July, 5.30 pm

The Ministerial Advisory Committee for Oceans Policy dives into deep and uncharted waters of asking New Zealanders what they value about the oceans.

It is the first time New Zealanders have been formally asked to not only think about, but also to submit their views on their values and vision for an Oceans Policy. It is an opportunity for every New Zealander to contribute at the very start of a process, and this fact makes the committee's consultation process different.

The legislative framework that currently relates to the use of the oceans is complicated, piecemeal and contradictory. New Zealand needs an Oceans Policy to help resolve conflict between different human uses of the oceans.

The eight committee members are independent people selected by Government ministers to lead the consultation process, and to listen to and report on New Zealanders' vision and values in relation to the oceans.

The committee has split into two teams to accommodate an intensive two-month schedule of more than 50 public meetings and hui. The four members visiting Dunedin are Dame Cath Tizard, Dr John (Mac) Beggs (geologist and partner and co-managing director in GeoSphere Explorations), Mark Bellingham (Massey University lecturer) and Wally Stone (Chief Executive of Whale Watch Kaikoura).

Dame Cath said she was pleased with the turnout by the public at meetings over the past two weeks and hoped that the momentum would continue.

"We have had a diverse group of people attend the meetings so far - fishermen, farmers, conservationists, divers and boaties - to name a few. The ranges of topics talked about have been broad reaching and the discussions lively. It is great to hear Kiwis speak with such passion about our oceans and I encourage the people of Dunedin to take this opportunity to get involved," she said.

"The oceans impact, in some way, on every New Zealander, directly or indirectly. We hope people will take a positive step with us and attend the public meeting; or call 0800 001461 to request a booklet and make a submission," she added.

The meetings are designed to inform people about the scope and context of the Oceans Policy values consultation, and to spread the word about the opportunity to contribute.

The public consultation process features public meetings and hui, a schools' campaign, a website, and a booklet with a guide made up of seven fundamental questions for people to think about when they make their submission.

The deadline for submissions for stage one is August 17, 2001

For further information on public meetings in your area call 0800 001461 or check www.oceans.govt.nz

• Unique - once-in-a-lifetime
• Get Involved
• No pre-determined outcome: it's up to you