NZRA calls for freshwater plans to go further

The New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) has expressed concern about the New Zealand Government's consultation document on improving the management of fresh water, saying the document doesn’t go far enough.

NZRA recently made a submission in relation to the Ministry for the Environment’s 2016 Next Steps for Fresh Water consultation document, outlining its concerns.

NZRA Outdoor Sector Advocacy Manager Sam Newton stated "rivers and lakes are highly popular recreation spots, and freshwater supports ecosystems whose protection should be balanced against commercial considerations.

“While the consultation document has some positive aspects, there isn’t enough consideration given to recreational use, and the steps taken to protect and improve water quality do not go far enough.”

According to Sport New Zealand’s Active New Zealand Survey 2013/14, swimming is the second most popular activity for New Zealanders, with 30.2% of the population taking part. Fishing is the fifth most popular form of recreation, with 19.5% of the population taking part in that activity at least once every 12 months. Around 8% of New Zealanders take part in canoeing/kayaking.

Newton said NZRA does not support the Government’s contention that returning already polluted rivers to a swimmable state is impractical or unaffordable, adding “the Government is proposing that there be a ‘wadeable’ standard of water quality. This is not good enough. Freshwater bodies should be swimmable where possible.”

He said there is a national interest in conservation of freshwater areas, in terms of the value of tourism, biodiversity and recreation. Therefore, a greater share than the 50% proposed in the document should be made available from central government when projects reflect regional gains of national significance.

The consultation document contains the next steps the Government proposes to improve the management of fresh water in New Zealand. Its stated objectives are better environmental outcomes, enabling sustainable economic growth to support new jobs and exports, and more Maori involvement in freshwater decision-making.

The document states New Zealand has 145 million litres of freshwater per person each year – six times as much as Australia, 16 times as much as the US, and 70 times as much as China or the UK.

The consultation closed on 22nd April.

Newton said NZRA would welcome further discussions with the Government on how to better recognise recreational users of New Zealand’s lakes and rivers.

He concluded “we hope there can be a productive exchange on this issue.”

Image shows kayaking on the Wairoa River, courtesy of Frans Roozendaal.

22nd April 2016 - FRESH WATER VITAL TO NEW ZEALAND’S GREEN TOURISM BRAND

7th March 2016 - CHRISTCHURCH ADVOCATE TO CHAMPION THE VALUE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION

29th January 2016 - TOURISM INDUSTRY WANTS IMPROVED PROTECTION FOR NEW ZEALAND WATERWAYS

3rd September 2015 - SPORT NZ SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS THE VALUE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION

17th November 2014 - OUTDOOR SECTOR A KEY PART OF NEW ZEALAND’S TOURISM BRANDING

20th September 2013 - OUTDOOR GROUP URGES MORE HONESTY IN GOVERNMENT