Scott Simpson Coromandel MP

Issues relating to our environment and conservation are always top of mind.

Recently, I was elected to chair the National Party's ‘Bluegreen' caucus team.

It's the largest grouping of MPs in our Parliament committed to environmental issues.

We think our environment is too important to be left to the fringe of politics and should have a mainstream focus.

For me there are five standout initiatives that demonstrate National's proactive environmental approach.

We've doubled the area of set net protection for Maui's dolphin, introduced a ban on shark finning, introduced compulsory seismic survey regulations for protecting marine mammals, and created new whale and seal sanctuaries at Kaikoura.

The cycleway programme will grow tourism and make our natural environment more accessible. Four more cycle trails will be finished by the end of next month.

Our local region has benefited from the creation of the hugely successful Hauraki Rail Trail cycleway. We've committed an additional $100 million in new funding to accelerate cycleways in urban centres as well.

Importantly, on the Coromandel kauri dieback was confirmed as being present earlier this year. Since then the Government has committed more than $30m to containing and controlling kauri dieback. We've also tightened laws and toughened penalties for wildlife, conservation and biosecurity offending.

To support this vital work, we've established the Community Conservation Partnership Fund of $26 million during the next four years to support voluntary work of community organisations.

We're also committing more than $350m to clean-up historical contamination of our iconic waterways. Plus, we'll spend $100 million during 10 years to buy and retire selected areas of farmland next to important waterways.

These are important environmental initiatives; and I'm proud to be part of the team making them happen.