Life's a Beach, So Who Cares?

29 June 2001

Tauranga: Bureta Park Motor Inn - Redwood Room, Vale Street
Hui - Monday 2 July, 10.00am
Public Meeting - Monday 2 July, 5.30 pm

The Ministerial Advisory Committee for Oceans Policy dives into deep and uncharted waters in 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 laws that currently relate to the use of the oceans are 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' values and vision 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 Tauranga are David McDowell (former Ambassador to the United Nations), David Anderson (accountant and company director), Riki Gage (Executive Director of Te Runanga o te Whanau Tribal Authority and a director of TWA Holdings and TWA Fishing), and Abigail Smith (senior lecturer in marine science at the University of Otago).

David McDowell said he was pleased with the turnout by the public at meetings in Taranaki, Wanganui and the Manawatu.

"We have had a diverse group of people attend the meetings - 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 Tauranga to take this opportunity to get involved," he said.

"From jobs supplied by port operations to the harvesting and consumption of kaimoana or a simple stroll along the beach at the Mount, the ocean connects with us all in some way. We hope people will take a positive step with us and come along to the public meeting; or call 0800 001461 to request a booklet and make a submission," he 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