As the election approaches, attention will turn to policies affecting conservation, fisheries, access, and the wider use of public land and water. Proposals will vary, priorities will differ, and outcomes will shape how these resources are managed over time. CORANZ does not take political positions, but it does examine how policy affects outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
Decisions in these areas are not abstract. They influence access to rivers and coasts, the balance between use and protection, and the way environmental limits are set and enforced. These settings are determined through a democratic process that continues regardless of how many people take part in it.
Participation does not guarantee any particular outcome. It does, however, influence how representative those outcomes are. Lower engagement narrows the base of input, while broader participation reflects a wider range of views and experiences, including those of people who actively use and value the outdoors.
Registration is a simple step, but it determines whether participation is even possible. Without it, the opportunity to contribute to those decisions is removed entirely. Once the process is underway, the focus shifts to choices, but the ability to choose begins with being registered.
CORANZ will continue to comment on policy where it affects access, recreation, and environmental management. That role remains independent and focused on outcomes rather than political alignment. The effectiveness of that contribution sits alongside a broader public that is informed, engaged, and able to participate.
This is not about political preference. It is about whether people take part in decisions that will shape the use and stewardship of shared resources over time.
Very true. We only have one outdoors on these islands, and if it is trashed it can never be recovered from any human made disaster. A very good example of human interference with a long term diaster yet to fully eventuate is no better demonstrated in New Zealand is wilding pines introduced by the government agencies to improve soil adhesion. Now it’s just an ongoing nightmare for the environment costing many millions to slow down there march over the native flora. Another example yet to fully play out is the v
widespread distribution of various poisons over the public lands by the government. The price is high for environmental mis management.
The biggest obstacle to democracy is apathy and those selfish fools who don’t vote, a million or so Kiwis.
They owe it to future generations to vote and particpate in democracy.
My good friend Plato said “The price of apathy is to be ruled by evil men.”
Yes do vote but bear in mind there are politicians like Shane Jones who have never been voted in by an electorate but slither in to Parliament as a list MP. By the way, Jones has stood 4 or 5 times in electorates and has never been selected by voters. In a couple of cases he came 3rd in the voting, not even runner-up!
Where is the justice in that?
Yet Jones arrogantly defies democracy.
Democracy is a word that was spoken with pride, something it would appear that a large portion of Kiwis don’t care enough about to have a say and fight for a sustainable future for there families.