Decision to move conservancy ‘ridiculous’ – Turia
Tariana Turia, MP for Te Tai Hauauru is outraged at the decision to move the Whanganui, Taranaki and Turangi office to a new conservancy office in Taupo.
“This is a ridiculous proposition on two counts. Firstly, the new Conservancy will be three hours from the greatest concentration of population and only one hour from the neighbouring conservancy office in Rotorua. This makes no sense”.
“Secondly the decision has been made with no apparent engagement with mana whenua; the general public or the Member of Parliament for this region.
“This is an issue that has angered our communities for at least the last eighteen months, and I have written to the Minister and met with her over that time, alerting her to the people’s frustration about any thought of placing the amalgamated conservancy at the furtherest end of the region”.
“I do not appreciate learning at the eleventh hour about decisions which have such dire consequences across our rohe”
“The last thing one expects when there are other significant negotiations between iwi and the Department of Conservation, is that relationships are threatened by decisions which create barriers to access and engagement”.
“The drive to collect staff together physically in one service centre is yesterday’s thinking. With ultrafast broadband being implemented early in Whanganui, why isn’t the Minister taking advantage of the technology to allow technical staff to remain in Whanganui and work remotely?”
“These positions are held by people who have a long tenure, some around twenty years. One would think some understanding would be made to show them some respect for the commitment they have given to Conservation”.
“The announcement to move the base away from the people makes a mockery of Conservation’s supposed desire to work in partnership with its community.
“The office should be located amongst the people it serves – we are extremely annoyed that the effect of this decision will make access that much more difficult for the iwi and the constituent communities that the conservancy will serve”.
Demographic profile: Whanganui – 40,000; New Plymouth – 69,000; Turangi – 3500
Fishing Report
It’s been a much better week for fishing. It has rained from Sunday with showers still continuing, 16.9mm for the week. This has caused a slight increase in the flow of the river. Most anglers I know of have enjoyed success. The fish have been pleasing in their size (still struggling to be much bigger than 3 lbs) and condition.
I caught my first slab of the season yesterday though I know others have been caught earlier in the month. It should be good fishing for the next couple of weeks.
Tongariro at Turangi – River-flow
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Eric Wilson
Secretary Treasurer
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