Recent News and Events

Kate Valley Decision
Living Streets in Papanui
Canterbury councils set up network to collect used oil
Organic solutions conference
Tuataras and Geckos - hidden treasures at Orana Park
Exciting week for Windflow Technology
Canterbury streams to benefit from community projects
ECAN appoints new CEO
Styx River Catchment project wins award
Kiwi taonga on display at Canterbury Museum
Christchurch Botanic Gardens 140 years old

Sites Added

New Zealand Ecological Society   Society promoting the study of ecology and the application of ecological knowledge in all its aspects 

Draft Community Strategy For Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora   Draft Community Strategy prepared in response to concerns over the apparent decline in water quality in the lake and other related problems. Includes the strategy and consultation document

Aging Tree Infrastructure   Information from Christchurch City Council about history of tree planting in Christchurch, ageing and disease in trees, replacement strategies

Okeover Stream Restoration   Information from the Christchurch City Council about the restoration of the Okeover Stream in the grounds of the University of Canterbury, Ilam

Ecoglo  Christchurch company which develops and manufactures high-quality, electricity-free path-finding lighting solutions for stadiums, arenas, theaters and public buildings.

Viewpoint

Opinions and discussion on .... Maori claims to the foreshore and seabed

From Ngai Tahu
“The decision to legislate over the top of an issue before the Court is typical of the way in which this Government has chosen to treat Maori and deal with Treaty issues. They are dragging Treaty relationships and relationships between Maori and Pakeha back in time and behaving just as the Crown did in the 1860’s when acquiring Maori land. At that time the Crown acted under the New Zealand Settlements Act 1863 and confiscated substantial areas of Maori land. Just as the action in the 1860’s set the Crown up for ongoing acrimonious relationships between successive governments and Maori so yesterday’s decision will set the Crown up for future major treaty settlements. The Government has pandered to the unwarranted fears of Pakeha New Zealand and in doing so trampled over the relationship that Maori have with the Crown as Treaty partner.
“The decision is also premature. The Court of Appeal decision gave Iwi the right to take foreshore and seabed claims to the Maori Land Court, it did not give any indication or ruling on the validity or extent of the claims. The Crown has completely subverted the legal process and this is not only a key concern for Iwi but should also be a key concern for all New Zealanders,” said Mark Solomon Kaiwhakahaere of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.
For a full copy of Mark Solomon's statement see the Press Release of 24 June, 2003

The foreshore and seabed issue was "the most serious facing this nation today
It has to be resolved now and resolved quickly."
But it was important to keep the debate rational.
"We don't want this to get into a slanging match along racial lines.
"I am not pointing the finger at Maori. My grandchild is Maori - Ngapuhi."
From Marlborough District Mayor Tom Harrison, as reported in the New Zealand Herald, 30.6.03

For some legal background to the Court of Appeal decision go to the Bell Gully site.

Information on Crown Ownership of the foreshore and seabed from the Department of Conservation

Paeroa Declaration from the meeting of representatives of Maori tribes held in Paeroa on the 12th July.

Buried Treasures

Some online newsletters of interest to environmentalists

@DOC  Canterbury Conservancy News  Information about conservation happenings and events around the Canterbury Conservancy of the Department of Conservation.
Coast Care Newsletter Newsletter from the Coast Care organisation - information about events along the Christchurch coast line, conservation activities, plants and wildlife.
Soil Horizons Newsletter  Newsletter to communicate the work in soil related research by Landcare Research
Bexley Wetland Trust Newsletter   Occasional newsletter from the Trust about activities in restoring the wetland
Travis Wetland Trust Newsletter Occasional newsletter from the Trust about activities in restoring the wetland
He Korero Korari Newsletter   Manaaki Whenua scientists have been working in partnership with Maori weavers to find out what effect environmental conditions have on the weaving qualities of traditional varieties of harakeke (New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax ). Published twice a year to keep those involved up to date with the progress of the trial. Increasingly, the newsletter has included additional information on harakeke and other fibre plants of interest to weavers.