Environment – I’m in a serious relationship…

It’s one I’ve been in all my life, and I expect you are engaged in something similar; it’s the relationship we all have with our natural environment, te taiao. There are times in our lives when it becomes increasingly important, but other times we sadly take it for granted. The truth is the health of our environment is declining, our relationship with it diminishing, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Now is the time to rekindle that relationship and think about what you have to lose if you don’t pay it enough attention. 

Soon, we will have the opportunity to vote for people in our community to represent us, and therefore the environment in which we live. Will they value its protection or risk long-term damage for short-term gain? We’ve always had close working relationships with our elected members, and this is an opportunity for us to ask questions and, as we say at Forest and Bird, ‘be a voice for nature!’

Most people live on the Hibiscus Coast because of access to natural places like the Hauraki Gulf, our beaches, reserves and green spaces, not forgetting Shakespear Open Sanctuary. Our landscape is also defined by our rivers, the Weiti, Ōrewa, and the Nukumea Stream. However, like many places, its health is at risk, with 40 percent  of bird species in trouble, and habitats degraded by pollution and people neglecting the importance of sharing our space.

What makes the Hibiscus Coast special for you? Here are some questions to consider when choosing candidates; you can also ask if they have been involved in any conservation projects themselves. 

• If elected, how will the candidates advocate to ensure urban growth does not further pollute local streams and estuaries? 

• What initiatives do the candidates support in the way of nature-based solutions to the impacts of increasingly extreme weather? Have the candidates taken the time to consult with experts about these solutions? 

• Do the candidates take an evidence or opinion-based approach to environmental initiatives? How will they ensure accountability and have confidence that those delivering programmes are taking expert advice, providing good value for money and getting the outcomes that are needed?

• What is the candidate’s view on pest species? Are they aware of the importance of suppressing damaging animals like rats and possums on public land, and the consequences of not doing so? Do they understand the damage pest plants cause to our native forests and our health? 

• How will the candidates ensure that native species have enough connected habitat to thrive; will they support restoring biodiversity on our parks and green spaces, and promote backyard conservation action?

• Volunteers donate thousands of hours towards conservation activities – do the candidates support the community to volunteer with conservation projects? If elected, how will they ensure consistent funding and support for these initiatives?

This year, nature is on the ballot, it’s your vote, and your backyard. Join us at our Meet the Candidates event on September 4, 7pm to 9pm at Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa marae, 2A Bluegum Ave, Silverdale.