Greens call for DOC independence to be protected

The Government should let the Department of Conservation (DOC) stick up for our environment as it is legally required to do, Green Party Conservation Spokesperson Metiria Turei said today.

Today’s secret deal exposed between DOC and Meridian Energy in relation to the Project Hayes wind farm project shows that DOC’s role was compromised by the previous Government, Mrs Turei said.

Today’s revelations confirm that DOC submissions are being blocked. Even though the previous Labour Government stated in Parliament that DOC’s ability to speak up for conservation would not be affected by a “whole of government approach”.

“Despite assurances in 2004, this deal is evidence that DOC’s advocacy role is being undermined. The Government’s policy was to make one submission on behalf of all departments. This silences DOC and stops them from fulfilling their legal obligation to speak up for the environment.

“This is not the first time that DOC has been prevented from submitting - it also happened with Meridian’s North Bank Hydro proposal and this interference needs to stop,” said Mrs Turei.

The Green Party wants an assurance from the National Government that it will protect DOC’s advocacy role and ensures that it can raise legitimate conservation concerns on behalf of all New Zealanders.

“This secret deal also highlights the need for open honest government. The public has a right to know about deals like the Project Hayes one.

“Both National and Labour need to make a commitment to transparency and honesty that allows New Zealanders to hold them to account,” said Mrs Turei.