Independent views By Brendan Horan

Have you noticed how often National keeps measuring, without moving into action, on the environment including rivers lakes and streams?

I'm referring to the Environment Reporting Bill, which has been introduced in Parliament last week.

The problem with measuring is one we have seen in education with National's National Standards. Repeatedly finding out the patient is sick and treatment is needed is no substitute for doing something.

New Zealand needs action on the many threats to the natural environment. In particular we need a robust and strong National Water Standard so accumulating problems in natural waterways can be properly addressed. The standard must cover discharges into rivers and streams.

National must commit to action – which will need funding – to clean up New Zealand's waterways.

At present there are only intermittent and sporadic clean-up efforts; and this is not good enough. I want to see the present national policy statement strengthened. Maori – indeed many New Zealanders who value the wairua – want to be able to work with local and regional councils to fix the problems that have developed during many years.

We need a good National Water Standard that will raise the health of waterways in an affordable way, because water is vital to New Zealanders.

I'm working on developing, in conjunction with scientific experts and stakeholders, an action plan for the Kaituna River in the Bay of Plenty and tributaries which are heavily polluted. I encourage you to contact me and share your thoughts on this and any other issues you're concerned or passionate about.