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The Green Party promises $ 50 million to keep New Zealand’s iconic kauri forests standing, if elected.
Co-leader Marama Davidson announced the party’s kauri protection plan on Sunday at the Arataki Visitor Center in West Auckland, the gateway to Auckland’s largest kauri forest in the Waitākere Ranges.
The promise of 50 million dollars would be for the next two years because, “when our Kauri suffer, the ecosystems that depend on them do too.” The money would come from the existing “Jobs for Nature” policy.
Dominico Zapata / Things
Kauri trees are among the most powerful trees in the world and can grow to over 50m in height, living for over 2000 years.
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Jobs for Nature is a $ 1.3 billion program of comprehensive environmental funding, which is part of the Covid-19 recovery package and lasts for four years.
Reinforced funding to increase investment in Matauranga Maori science, surveillance, public education, monitoring and law enforcement is contained in the Greens’ kauri plan.
The party has also promised more jobs to help improve slopes and control pests that help spread kauri disease.
Ricky Wilson / Stuff
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson says they intend to invest $ 50 million in kauri protection over two years.
Marama said they also intend to push for additional long-term funds to be allocated in future budgets, depending on how much additional investment is needed.
“The Kauri are an incredibly important taonga for Aotearoa and the Greens want to go further and faster to keep them healthy and on their feet,” Davidson said.
“The kauri are one of the oldest trees in the world, towering 50 meters above us. They are an important part of Aotearoa’s natural heritage, but without a political commitment to help protect them, they face potentially fatal threats of kauri dieback. “
Chris McKeen / Stuff
In Auckland, the forested areas of the Hunua and Waitākere Ranges have been closed to prevent further spread of kauri dieback.
Marama said that for too long government agencies, iwi and regional councils have done what they can with limited funds, but kauri protection needs increased support and resources.
“In this period, the Greens have prioritized pushing for adequate funding for kauri’s dieback across all budgets, but other political parties have not agreed to prioritize kauri’s protection with the necessary funding.
“That’s why we look to make it a priority in our Jobs for Nature investments next period.”
The Green Party is also proposing to change the main central government agency from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to the DOC.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
The Waitākere Range slopes are slowly reopening.
Green Party conservation spokesperson Eugenie Sage said MPI has been unable to secure sufficient funding for a National Pest Management Plan for kauri.
“The DOC would ensure that protection and work on kauri regressive death gets the commitment and priority attention it deserves; rather than just one of the many biosecurity issues that MPI is responsible for.
“This measure is likely to require changes to the Biosafety Law.”
The government has managed to find $ 100 million over four years to prevent the spread of Scots pines, so we definitely need at least $ 50 million over two years to care for our most iconic indigenous trees, Sage said.
“Stations for cleaning and improving roads to prevent the spread of Phytophera Responsible for the kauri dieback and the closure of some areas have been important ways to prevent its spread.
“We also need more funding for education so that people understand why they need to stay out of the forests in order to heal and control the pigs that spread kauri dieback.”
Funding will come from reprioritizing and dedicating $ 50 million in the existing Jobs for Nature program to protecting kauri. The Greens will also seek more secure long-term funding for kauri dieback and kauri protection through future budgets.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
The Green Party says cleaning the stations to prevent the spread of Kauri disease has been working.
“Caring for Kauri creates jobs for nature. Building new boardwalks and hunting pigs are great ways to employ the locals in Northland, Auckland, and Coromandel. It is a victory for work and nature. “
The $ 50 million will be in addition to the $ 33 million spent on science and research and existing funds allocated to work on the ground for the protection of the kauri.
This includes $ 5.4 million in 2020/21 allocated to DOC for kauri dieback and track improvement work on public conservation lands; $ 3.2 million allocated to the MPI for the kauri dieback; and $ 2 million recently allocated by the Provincial Growth Fund to the Northland Regional Council.
