Water


The management of freshwater resources in New Zealand in crisis. Our rivers and lakes face multiple pressures, with increased pollution from agriculture, horticulture and sewerage, combined with increased demand for irrigation, industry and urban use. Water quality is declining across the country and some rivers and streams have even dried up. Effluent run-off from industrial dairying has rendered most of our lowland rivers and lakes unsafe for swimming: 70% in the Waikato. On top of this, climate change is predicted to impact even further upon our river systems, bringing changes in rainfall patterns and increased frequency of flooding and drought events.New Zealanders perceive water to be our #1 environmental problem.

We can do a much better job of looking after our precious freshwater resources; to support the ecosystems and species that are dependant on them, ensure we can meet our current and future needs, and protect our economy. The Green Party is working hard to get decent regulation to clean up our lowland rivers and lakes, so that our children can swim in them again.

View our Conservation page for information on our campaign to save our last remaining wild rivers.
Read our water policy

What's new

Government leaves room to privatise Auckland water

The Government set the stage for a sell-off of Auckland’s water services today. The Prime Minister hedged his bets, saying that privatisation would not be part of their restructuring plans, but failed to say that current protections in the law will remain in force. He said that privatisation is a choice for Aucklanders, but it is not. His Government has to change the law for privatisation to happen and he will not rule that out.

Russel Norman MP - Oral Question to the Prime Minister on possibility of Water Privatisation in Auckland

1. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green) to the Prime Minister: Will he guarantee that sections 130(3) and 136(2) of the Local Government Act 2002, which prohibit the privatisation of council water services, will remain in force as long as he is Prime Minister?

To see the transcript of this Question, please go to: http://www.greens.org.nz/node/21099


PCE report challenges Government on environment

A new report calls for more environmental protection of the South Island high country at the same time as the Government is weakening the laws and rules that could protect it, the Green Party said today.

Voluntary Dirty Streams Accord a roaring success

The voluntary Clean Streams Accord has failed and it’s time to set enforceable water quality standards, Green Party Co-Leader Russel Norman said today.