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Media releases
Wellington, 05 August 2002
Probing the Progress of Sustainable Development in New Zealand'New Zealanders really do care about tomorrow. But the nation as a whole is not living within its means. We face important challenges to maintain our quality of life', says Dr Morgan Williams, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. Creating Our Future; Sustainable Development for New Zealand, a report released today by Dr Williams, found that New Zealand could be a world leader on sustainable development. 'It's about maintaining a healthy environment, social well-being and a strong economy' says Dr Williams. The report is a review of New Zealand's sustainability actions and evolution since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. It highlights current trends in consumption of energy and natural resources, waste production, urban growth, biodiversity losses, biosecurity threats, land-use and water issues, and urban air quality. 'There are a number of excellent community initiatives, local government efforts and a few standout business examples,' Dr Williams notes, 'but the big gap has been in successive governments' thinking, planning and action. Until 2001 central government has not provided leadership for sustainable development, and we are falling behind many other OECD countries. Leadership in all sectors is critical for any significant progress to be made on sustainable development.' 'We all need to take responsibility for creating a more sustainable New Zealand,' Dr Williams says. The report includes a number of recommendations to support the establishment of a vision and framework for new ways of thinking to guide sustainable development for New Zealand. ENDS For more information contact: Bruce Taylor, | |
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