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Water is set to be a major issue for the new Government, with a poll released by Fish & Game finding water pollution is New Zealanders’ second highest concern, just behind the cost of living.
Labour and the Greens campaigned on water quality and allocation, but in coalition talks New Zealand First nixed any water tax, meaning other control mechanisms must be found.
The poll found 75 percent of New Zealanders surveyed were either extremely or very concerned about the degradation of the country’s lakes and rivers.
Choose Clean Water spokesperson Marnie Prickett says the poll shows the new Government has a clear mandate from the vast majority of New Zealanders to take firm action to address the pollution of rivers and lakes
“Summer has highlighted again the severe water pollution problems we face, with toxic algae being found in rivers and lakes around the country, including our great lake Taupo.
“Last year’s report on the inquiry into Havelock North’s contaminated town water supply drew attention to freshwater pollution being a problem not only for swimming and wildlife but also for what is coming out of our taps,” she says.
Ms Prickett says there must be an end to the spending of public money on large-scale irrigation schemes and changes to previous Government’s National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.
The new Government will also have to deal with ongoing Waitangi Tribunal and court actions aimed at determining Maori rights and interests in water.
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