Attn: Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister, Hon Penny Simmonds (Minister for Environment), Hon Chris Bishop (Minister Responsible for RMA Reform), and Hon Todd McClay (Minister for Agriculture).
Dear Prime Minister and Ministers,
Our lakes, rivers, and streams are sick. In many places – especially our rural communities – drinking water is unsafe. Our swimming spots are now so polluted they carry a high risk of infection. Most rivers and many lakes fail to meet water quality guidelines.
Your coalition Government committed to make evidence-based decisions. The evidence shows we need to urgently fix the health of rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater.
Do not change our world-leading freshwater policy.
Communities have spent decades fighting to address pollution and prioritise the health of freshwater. They have spent years working to prepare regional freshwater plans that could finally make their local rivers swimmable and protect their drinking water.
But you are taking this away. This is not what I want.
Everyone should have access to safe drinking water and clean swimmable rivers and lakes.
Protecting the health of freshwater protects the health and wellbeing of our communities, the environment, and the economy. We all need clean and healthy water.
Please, do not change the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.
Image credit: Chris Todd