Independent views By Brendan Horan

Last week I wrote an SOS to ‘Save Our Seniors'. This week I send out another SOS to ‘Save our Shores'.

A critical asset for Tauranga is our beaches and harbour. Many claim it to be our primary asset. Our beaches suffered and continue to suffer since the Rena disaster.

What may not be so well-known is the health of our harbour. Apart from it being a wonderful recreation zone it's also a critical transport link for New Zealand's economy.

Are the sea lettuce blooms which Matua and other coastal residents experiencing an eco-message? Is nutrient run-off from rural holdings into our rivers – then into the waters of our harbour – sustainable? Is the build-up of sedimentation and associated increase in mangroves growth resulting from significant land developments, which are causing more mud to enter the harbour, impacting on the health of this asset?

Vessels from around the world enter Port of Tauranga. We have one of the worst infestations of cockroaches in the country, attributed to the Port. Are our biosecurity measures sufficient to keep marine and other pests from breaching our shores?

We're all aware of the country's inadequacy to respond to a major oil crisis. We simply have not the resources, procedures and expertise to cope.

I respect the work of Bay of Plenty Regional Council in managing this asset and I've read the copious reports they keep generating on our harbour's health. Going past these reports and actioning remediation is less obvious.

The NZ independent Coalition has a significant interest in the health of our waters. Water enhancement, clean rivers, lakes, harbours and oceans are a priority concern for the health and sustainability of our economy, community and personal good health and enjoyment.

If you'd like to discuss this or any other issues please contact me.

Facebook.com/Brendan.horan.336 twitter.com/brendanhoran or Phone Brendan on 07 574 0253.