Environmental Policy

Question 1

What was Colonial environmental policy in NZ?

Answer 1

Maori as guardians of the environment, connections to land.
Colonisation of NZ driven by a desire to access commodities through the exploration of nature - seals, whales, flax, timber.
Economic development was the historic goal of govt. through exploiting rather than protecting/preserving the environment.
Even up to the 1950s the govt. approach to the environment primarily exploitative for economic development.

Question 2

Early environmental policy in NZ

Answer 2

Native bird protection society formed in 1923

Only environmental interest group in NZ for several decades

Question 3

Explain the rise of the environmental movement (60s/70s).

Answer 3

1960s was a time of social and economic pressure, Vietnam war, feminism, etc.
Growing public interest in environmental issues.
- first shown by controversy over Lake Manapouri

Question 4

Reforms of the 1980s and 1990s: local govt.

Answer 4

Central govt.
- sets technical standard which are binding
- controls hazardous substances, mineral and energy resources, coastal management.
Regional councils control
- water and soil-use, geothermal resources, pollution management, natural hazards prevention
District and city councils control
- Land use management (consents), noise control.

Question 5

Lake Manapouri

Answer 5

1960 - permissions given to use Lakes to generate electricity for an aluminium smelter at bluff.
Petition to Parliament in 1970 led to defeat of National in 1972 and replacement by Labour who were committed to protecting the lake - not raising the levels

Question 6

Define RMA

Answer 6

The resource management act is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.