Latest news with #MarkCameron
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Time To Dump Te Mana O Te Wai, National Bottom Lines
Press Release – ACT New Zealand Under Labour and the Greens, farmers not only had to manage the day-to-day challenges of farming but also navigate an onslaught of red tape and costs, says ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron. ACT is welcoming public consultation on changes to New Zealand's freshwater national direction and encouraging New Zealanders to engage in the process. 'Under Labour and the Greens, farmers not only had to manage the day-to-day challenges of farming but also navigate an onslaught of red tape and costs,' says ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron. 'The coalition government was elected with a mandate to end this war on farming. We've made excellent progress, but the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management 2020 still lingers. 'NPS-FM centralised control in Wellington and elevated the vague, spiritual concept of Te Mana o te Wai, or the mana of the water. 'ACT believes the Government should scrap Te Mana o te Wai and national bottom lines, allowing regional councils to set their own standards. 'The vague concept of 'Te Mana o te Wai' replaces scientific benchmarks with a subjective idea of the mana of the water that leads to co-governance and unequal treatment based on who someone's ancestors were. 'At the moment, iwi have a right of veto over how water is used. The NPS-FM requires Te Mana o te Wai to apply to the consenting of all projects involving freshwater management. 'Consenting is now subject to consideration of mauri, or the 'life-force' of water. 'It has led to water users making large one-off and on-going payments for 'cultural monitoring' services which do nothing for the environment but add costs to consumer and business power bills. 'Is requiring farmers to comply with a spiritual concept going to make them farm better? Of course not. It means they'll have to employ a cultural consultant and waste time and money that could instead be spent improving their farming practices. That's what happens when we regulate water quality based on superstition not science. 'Farmers just want to grow food and look after their land, incorporating spiritual concepts isn't necessary for them to do that. 'The broad and ambiguous interpretation of Te Mana o te Wai by councils and courts has led to confusion, time and money being wasted, and a new cottage industry of cultural consultants. 'We should get rid of it. 'We should also let local communities decide what standards work best for them. The NPS-FM is too inflexible. Standards set nationally aren't appropriate for all catchments. 'Our diverse geography and conditions mean farming practices vary across regions as farmers adapt best practices to their local conditions. Blanket regulations set by bureaucrats in Wellington are unsuitable. 'We should get rid of national bottom lines and devolve these decisions to regional councils who are best positioned to understand the local conditions and who have direct relationships with stakeholders. 'ACT is dedicated to real change. We cannot continue with a policy that burdens our farmers unnecessarily. We campaigned on a complete overhaul of the NPS-FM to remove subjective concepts and ensure that our freshwater management is scientifically sound and adapted to the needs of local communities. 'It is time to protect our farmers from the ongoing effects of what has effectively been a war on the rural sector.'
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Time To Dump Te Mana O Te Wai, National Bottom Lines
Press Release – ACT New Zealand Under Labour and the Greens, farmers not only had to manage the day-to-day challenges of farming but also navigate an onslaught of red tape and costs, says ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron. ACT is welcoming public consultation on changes to New Zealand's freshwater national direction and encouraging New Zealanders to engage in the process. 'Under Labour and the Greens, farmers not only had to manage the day-to-day challenges of farming but also navigate an onslaught of red tape and costs,' says ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron. 'The coalition government was elected with a mandate to end this war on farming. We've made excellent progress, but the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management 2020 still lingers. 'NPS-FM centralised control in Wellington and elevated the vague, spiritual concept of Te Mana o te Wai, or the mana of the water. 'ACT believes the Government should scrap Te Mana o te Wai and national bottom lines, allowing regional councils to set their own standards. 'The vague concept of 'Te Mana o te Wai' replaces scientific benchmarks with a subjective idea of the mana of the water that leads to co-governance and unequal treatment based on who someone's ancestors were. 'At the moment, iwi have a right of veto over how water is used. The NPS-FM requires Te Mana o te Wai to apply to the consenting of all projects involving freshwater management. 'Consenting is now subject to consideration of mauri, or the 'life-force' of water. 'It has led to water users making large one-off and on-going payments for 'cultural monitoring' services which do nothing for the environment but add costs to consumer and business power bills. 'Is requiring farmers to comply with a spiritual concept going to make them farm better? Of course not. It means they'll have to employ a cultural consultant and waste time and money that could instead be spent improving their farming practices. That's what happens when we regulate water quality based on superstition not science. 'Farmers just want to grow food and look after their land, incorporating spiritual concepts isn't necessary for them to do that. 'The broad and ambiguous interpretation of Te Mana o te Wai by councils and courts has led to confusion, time and money being wasted, and a new cottage industry of cultural consultants. 'We should get rid of it. 'We should also let local communities decide what standards work best for them. The NPS-FM is too inflexible. Standards set nationally aren't appropriate for all catchments. 'Our diverse geography and conditions mean farming practices vary across regions as farmers adapt best practices to their local conditions. Blanket regulations set by bureaucrats in Wellington are unsuitable. 'We should get rid of national bottom lines and devolve these decisions to regional councils who are best positioned to understand the local conditions and who have direct relationships with stakeholders. 'ACT is dedicated to real change. We cannot continue with a policy that burdens our farmers unnecessarily. We campaigned on a complete overhaul of the NPS-FM to remove subjective concepts and ensure that our freshwater management is scientifically sound and adapted to the needs of local communities. 'It is time to protect our farmers from the ongoing effects of what has effectively been a war on the rural sector.'
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Time To Dump Te Mana O Te Wai, National Bottom Lines
ACT is welcoming public consultation on changes to New Zealand's freshwater national direction and encouraging New Zealanders to engage in the process. 'Under Labour and the Greens, farmers not only had to manage the day-to-day challenges of farming but also navigate an onslaught of red tape and costs,' says ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron. 'The coalition government was elected with a mandate to end this war on farming. We've made excellent progress, but the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management 2020 still lingers. 'NPS-FM centralised control in Wellington and elevated the vague, spiritual concept of Te Mana o te Wai, or the mana of the water. 'ACT believes the Government should scrap Te Mana o te Wai and national bottom lines, allowing regional councils to set their own standards. 'The vague concept of 'Te Mana o te Wai' replaces scientific benchmarks with a subjective idea of the mana of the water that leads to co-governance and unequal treatment based on who someone's ancestors were. 'At the moment, iwi have a right of veto over how water is used. The NPS-FM requires Te Mana o te Wai to apply to the consenting of all projects involving freshwater management. 'Consenting is now subject to consideration of mauri, or the 'life-force' of water. 'It has led to water users making large one-off and on-going payments for 'cultural monitoring' services which do nothing for the environment but add costs to consumer and business power bills. 'Is requiring farmers to comply with a spiritual concept going to make them farm better? Of course not. It means they'll have to employ a cultural consultant and waste time and money that could instead be spent improving their farming practices. That's what happens when we regulate water quality based on superstition not science. 'Farmers just want to grow food and look after their land, incorporating spiritual concepts isn't necessary for them to do that. 'The broad and ambiguous interpretation of Te Mana o te Wai by councils and courts has led to confusion, time and money being wasted, and a new cottage industry of cultural consultants. 'We should get rid of it. 'We should also let local communities decide what standards work best for them. The NPS-FM is too inflexible. Standards set nationally aren't appropriate for all catchments. 'Our diverse geography and conditions mean farming practices vary across regions as farmers adapt best practices to their local conditions. Blanket regulations set by bureaucrats in Wellington are unsuitable. 'We should get rid of national bottom lines and devolve these decisions to regional councils who are best positioned to understand the local conditions and who have direct relationships with stakeholders. 'ACT is dedicated to real change. We cannot continue with a policy that burdens our farmers unnecessarily. We campaigned on a complete overhaul of the NPS-FM to remove subjective concepts and ensure that our freshwater management is scientifically sound and adapted to the needs of local communities. 'It is time to protect our farmers from the ongoing effects of what has effectively been a war on the rural sector.'
NZ Autocar
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Defender updated for 2025
Land Rover has updated its Defender range for 2025, introducing new styling, upgraded technology and new options across the 90, 110, and 130 body styles. All Defender variants now feature updated headlights with a new lighting signature and integrated fog lamps as standard. At the rear, flush-mounted tail lights get a smoked tint for a cleaner appearance. There's also a new gloss black grille bar and darkened badging across the board. Land Rover has expanded the colour palette too, with contemporary hues like Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey. New 22-inch Diamond Turned Dark Grey alloys are also available. Read more 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 SE First Edition review Interior upgrades are headlined by a larger 13.1-inch central touchscreen (up from 11.4 inches previously) which now sits above a revised centre console with better storage options. A driver monitoring camera has been added as well. Some models gain sliding compartments and removable side pockets, while the option remains to configure a centre jump seat for three-across front row seating. More Capable Off the Road Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control is now available for the first time in a Defender. Similar to All-Terrain Progress Control but more advanced, this tech lets drivers set a comfort level while navigating tough terrain. The system automatically adjusts throttle inputs to maintain that comfort level, leaving the driver to focus on steering. Defender 130 adds an optional integrated air compressor to its list of gear, making tyre pressure adjustments easier during multi-surface excursions. Accessories and Personalisation Land Rover continues to lean into customisation with updated accessory packs: Explorer, Adventure, and Urban. New blacked-out roof racks, cross bars, and front underbody shields add visual impact, while a dark-finish rear scuff plate now joins the existing bright version. Practicality enhancements include fixed or deployable side steps and bonnet decals with updated Defender script across all body styles. 'More than five years after its introduction, Defender has become an enduring success,' said Mark Cameron, Managing Director for the Defender brand. 'These updates continue our mission to make every journey more satisfying – with fresh designs, new colours and enhanced functionality that keep the Defender at the top of its game.'
NZ Autocar
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Defending the Women's Rugby World Cup Trophy
A special Defender 110 will help to fire the enthusiasm of rugby fans by taking the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 trophy on a nationwide tour ahead of the tournament. With 100 days until the first game, the unique 4×4 made its premiere at Battersea Power Station in London. It is delivering the trophy for a public display ahead of its tour. The one-off Defender features extended rear glazing and bespoke lighting to give onlookers the best possible view of the trophy. It will show up at each of the eight tournament locations. Defender is the Principal Partner of the event, having ties with rugby that reach back through the decades. The Brit was a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. This particular Defender 110 Trophy Vehicle features two-tone matte and gloss black bodywork. There's also gold detailing on its alloy wheels, grille and Defender bonnet script. Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, remarked: 'We are very proud to demonstrate our support of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 with this custom-built Defender 110. Creating an individual commission for the trophy was a mission we were very pleased to undertake.' Land Rover built the one-off vehicle in Coventry, England, and it features plug-in electric hybrid propulsion. Sarah Massey, Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director, said: 'Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be an unforgettable tournament for the sport. It is only enhanced by the Defender partnership and our shared value of driving the visibility and awareness of the tournament. The bespoke Defender 110 acts as the perfect vehicle for the newly created trophy. Its appearances across the UK will ignite excitement and intrigue for new and existing fans.' The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 trophy tour begins in various site around London and finishes on 6 June in Sunderland. The Defender 110 and its precious cargo will visit cathedrals, cross the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, and appear at Silverstone for the British round of the MotoGP championship. Fair enough, but this link to rugby is tenuous. However, who wouldn't want to attend MotoGP at Silverstone? Trophy Tour itinerary: 14-16 May, London 17-19 May, Brighton and Hove 20-22 May, Exeter 23-24 May, Bristol 26-27 May, Northampton 29-31 May, Manchester 1-3 June, York 4-6 June, Sunderland
