Source: Greenpeace
More than 30 organisations have united behind the upcoming March for Nature in Auckland, where thousands are expected to take to Queen Street in opposition to the Government’s plans to open up public conservation land to commercial exploitation.
The organisations backing the march span unions, environmental charities, scientific societies, ratepayer associations and outdoor recreation groups. They include the PSA, NZEI and Unite Unions, the NZ Botanical Society, Environmental Law Initiative, Mindful Money, and Athletes for Nature.
Greenpeace spokesperson Gen Toop says the breadth of support shows how deeply people across Aotearoa care about nature – and how united they are in opposing the Government’s Conservation Amendment Bill.
"Unions, scientists, environmental groups, outdoor organisations and local communities are united and are coming together to say enough is enough. Public conservation land must remain protected for nature and for future generations."
"We may come from all walks of life, but we are united by a simple truth: people in Aotearoa care deeply about the ancient forests, wild landscapes and pristine waters of this country and we will stand together to protect them."
Greenpeace is particularly concerned about proposed section 6A of the Conservation Amendment Bill, which would require the Conservation Act to enable commercial development on conservation land 'to the greatest extent practicable'.
"No one wants to see ancient trees felled to make way for carparks, or their favourite hunting area turned into an open-cast mine. No one wants to see wild and remote beaches ruined by tacky hotels. But that is the kind of exploitation this Bill could enable," says Toop.
"We’re talking about some of the most spectacular places in Aotearoa – places like Rangitoto, Cathedral Cove, Mount Taranaki and Milford Sound. These places should be protected for nature, not opened up to greater commercial exploitation.
"This Government may have hoped that by moving fast enough, on enough fronts in its war on nature, people would become overwhelmed and give up. But the opposite is happening."
"People understand what is at stake. Generations have fought to keep these places wild, for the wildlife that depends on them and for those who come after us. That’s why so many organisations from across society are coming together to march against this Bill."
Toop says people in Aotearoa have fought a similar battle before – and won.
"In 2010, when the John Key Government proposed opening Schedule 4 conservation land to mining, 40,000 people marched down Queen Street. Faced with overwhelming public opposition, the Government backed down.
"Sixteen years later, we are having to come back to Queen Street to defend these places again. And once again, we are seeing people from all walks of life coming together again to say: hands off conservation land."
The march – spearheaded by Greenpeace and Forest & Bird – begins at 1pm in Albert Park Auckland on Saturday the 19th of September. More information on the march can be found at marchfornature.nz.
Notes
March for Nature endorsing organisations
Greenpeace Aotearoa
Forest and Bird
Public Servants Association (PSA)
New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI)
New Zealand Professional Firefighters’ Union (NZPFU)
Unite Union Manatōpū
Environmental Law Initiative
WWF
350 Aotearoa
Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM)
Mindful Money
ActionStation
NZ Botanical Society
Athletes for Nature
Endangered Species Foundation
Climate Liberation Aotearoa
Anti-War Aotearoa
Ngā Haumi
Environmental and Conservation Organisations (ECO)
Common Grace Aotearoa
Zero Waste Aotearoa
Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki
Extinction Rebellion
The Tree Council
Coalition Against the Fast Track (CAFT)
Titirangi Residents & Ratepayers
Protect Our Winters Aotearoa
Peace Movement Aotearoa
Ora Taiao: Aotearoa NZ Climate and Health Council
Aotearoa New Zealand Campaign on Military Spending
Beautification Trust
Maui & Hector's Dolphin Defenders
Ekos