Taxing Tourists to Save Our Species

Geoff SimmonsEnvironment

It isn’t often that turkeys vote for Christmas, but the tourism industry has done just that, stating they are open to charging visitors to fund infrastructure. This is no doubt in the face of public pressure at the ever mounting … Read More

Five reality checks on Maori fresh water rights

Susan GuthrieTreaty

Maori rights to fresh water deserve a better quality of debate than we’ve seen recently. The debate is actually about three things: acknowledging and implementing Maori rights to fresh water; allocating the economic benefits of water; and the New Zealand … Read More

How local authorities can ensure the Treaty is honoured

Gareth MorganTreaty

The recent furore in New Plymouth around Mayor Andrew Judd is about more than the loss of a progressive local political leader. Mr Judd’s attempt to ensure Maori treaty entitlements are respected highlights an important question – exactly how does … Read More

Seven Sharp hosking Ignorant

Sharp Bigotry at Seven

Gareth MorganTreaty

The announcement by New Plymouth Mayor Andrew Judd that he is not standing again, is a tragedy. By all accounts Andrew has been a good leader of the community and the fact that his withdrawal is over the visceral nature … Read More

Five Reasons to Put a Price on Water

Geoff SimmonsEnvironment

In recent days both Environment Minister Nick Smith and Prime Minister John Key have spoken extensively about fresh water. They continue to claim that nobody owns water, and that therefore commercial operators should not pay to use it. Regardless of … Read More