It is very timely that National announces its RMA Policy on the day Genesis Energy is in court appealing a court ruling that restricted their water rights from the Whanganui Rover on the basis it would interfere with the “life force” of the river.
This is pretty close to state sponsored voodooism when beliefs in mystical life forces of rivers are given weight in law.
As Owen McShane has pointed out the court case has huge implications for future energy supplies. If the precedent stands that one’s use of a river is limited due to its life-force, then investment in hydopower will dry up pretty quickly.
Especially when you consider nuclear power is not an option, coal is a bad thing with Kyoto, and wind power suffers from NIMBY everywhere.
Oh and also useful to remember that the 75 year old Western Springs Speedway was halted because Marian Hobbs funded the objectors with legal aid.
Colin Espiner and PC on power problems
For accuracy’s sake, ‘pretty close to’ should be replaced with ‘undistinguishable from’.
What a shame this excellent policy is overshadowed by the gaggle over the student loans announcement from Labour. This is one policy I welcome. I just hope it goes far enough.
It will be nice for all you Welli Tossers to come round for a bbq with the speedway on. NEVER! Sure I can see it needs tuning (the RMA) but it needs balance too and the NP seems to have no balanced discussion available.
Still it is my back yard and so Helen will take the electorate. Hasta la Vista.
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