July 2001

Bluegreens Welcome National Party’s Five Principles of Environmental Sustainability


The National Party Caucus has agreed to five principles on which to base its environmental and conservation policies. These have been announced by Dr Nick Smith, spokesman on conservation and leader of the National Caucus’ sustainable development group.

"Our first step has been to develop an over-arching vision and set of principles on which to build policy. These need to resonate with an increasingly environmentally aware electorate. They need to be distinctive so as to differentiate us from other parties. They also need to be consistent with the Party’s broader directions in economic and social policy.

"National’s vision is for New Zealand to be the No 1 ranked nation in environmental sustainability by 2020.

This goal is ambitious but attainable. The five principles are:

PRINCIPLE ONE

The first and most important principle must be sustainability. It must be embraced by National as an obligatory moral commitment to future generations that New Zealand’s natural resources will be maintained in perpetuity. While it is not new, New Zealand still faces major hurdles to be able to claim a fully sustainable society. It is a sound approach that sets us apart from the icon environmentalists.

PRINCIPLE TWO

The second principle National must commit to is linking economic and environmental success. We have to break the perception that economic and environmental goals are at loggerheads. New Zealand’s future prosperity is intricately linked to having the highest possible environmental standards. We must become cheerleaders for this cause.

PRINCIPLE THREE

The third principle is a science-based approach. Environmental excellence requires a commitment to good quality science, sound risk management and evidence-based decision making. We must connect with the thinking environmentalist who wants sustainability to be underpinned by sound research. We must conscientiously differentiate ourselves from the ‘luddite’ greens who see technology as the enemy of improved environmental living standards.

PRINCIPLE FOUR

The fourth principle is a commitment to consultation and choice. Environmental excellence will not be achieved by

centralist dictates on what is best for people. We must contrast ourselves with the ‘watermelon’ greens who see environmental problems as an excuse to resurrect failed socialist ideologies. We want people engaged in the problems and wherever possible to be given choices about how to adapt their lifestyles to meet the objective of sustainability.

PRINCIPLE FIVE

The final principle is recognition of New Zealanders’ birthright to enjoy all that is special about our wonderful country and the unique recreational opportunities it offers. This birthright is subservient to the principle of sustainability. It is an acknowledgement that we see people as part of the environment, and that caring for it is not a purpose in itself but a means to ensuring that present and future generations of New Zealanders get to experience and enjoy it.

Bluegreens National Convenor, Terry Dunleavy, of Takapuna, has welcomed the five principles. "While they have at their core the vital goal of sustainable prosperity, they also recognise the link between environmental sustainability and economic success, the need for decisions to be based on proven science rather than political whim, the importance of consultation and choice, as well as acceptance of the reality that sustainability must result in a better life for all New Zealanders, present and future," he said.