Latest news with #SimonCourt
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Greenpeace Slams Govt For Failure To Commit To Protecting Rivers
Greenpeace Aotearoa is slamming the Government after Parliamentary Under-Secretary for RMA Reform, Simon Court, refused yesterday to commit to upholding Water Conservation Orders, which protect lakes and rivers. Speaking at the Environmental Defence Society's annual conference, Simon Court refused to answer whether the Government would uphold existing Water Conservation Orders for rivers, as well as National Environmental Standards, under the Government's RMA reforms. Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says, "Everyone should be able to swim in and fish from New Zealand's lakes and rivers without getting sick. But nearly half of New Zealand's rivers are unsafe for swimming, and many are unsuitable for food gathering. Water conservation orders are meant to protect significant waterways - the ones that are still in a good state - and ensure that they aren't also destroyed. "That's why it is deeply concerning to hear a member of the government refuse to commit to upholding the very limited protections we have for fresh water in Aotearoa. "The primary polluter of fresh water in Aotearoa is the intensive dairy industry. It has polluted lakes, rivers, and drinking water with excess nitrate contamination, as a result of the overuse of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. And their excessive water takes have sucked rivers dry in order to irrigate dairy paddocks." "Now, the government wants to allow the intensive dairy industry to pollute the few waterways that have been identified for special protection. This is a government that is letting polluters write the policy, and going against the interests of everyday New Zealanders who just want to be able to swim in their local river." "With a government that is overturning every freshwater protection that exists in order to please the dairy industry, it's more important than ever that local governments - like Environment Canterbury, who have responsibility over the majority of New Zealand's freshwater ecosystems - step up and take real action to protect lakes, rivers, and drinking water." "That means phasing out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, and not allowing any new dairy conversions or intensifications to take place." "People across the country are standing up for better protection for lakes, rivers, and drinking water. If the politicians won't take action, then they should expect resistance."
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cornish brewery wins two gold medals at national beer awards
A Cornish brewery has won two gold medals at a national beer awards event. Castle Brewery, was awarded two medals at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) National Beer Awards, which were held in Liverpool on March 20, 2025. The awards are regarded as one of the most significant accolades in UK independent brewing and are judged by a panel of industry experts, brewers, and beer sommeliers. Castle Brewery's award-winning beers were New Season, a Belgian Pale Ale, and Gorse, a mixed fermentation ale brewed using a native yeast culture captured from the Cornish landscape. New Season was awarded gold in the Bottled/Canned Continental Ale category, while Gorse was awarded gold in the Bottled/Canned Sour and Wild Ale category. This marks the second national gold medal award for New Season. The brewery, which is based in Lostwithiel, has now launched a new brand called Coldframe Brewery, which will separate Castle's continental-inspired beers from its traditional British ales. Coldframe will build on the stylistic direction of this year's national gold medal-winning beers, New Season and Gorse. Simon Court, head brewer and owner of Castle and Coldframe Brewery, said: "Coldframe Brewery is the natural evolution of everything we've been working towards. "Last week's awards were an incredible honour and testament to our vision for the new brewery. "Coldframe represents our deepening commitment to brewing beers that are shaped by the land, using raw and locally sourced ingredients. "Everything we are doing is another step closer to becoming the farmhouse brewery we have always aspired to be." The SIBA National Beer Awards are among the most respected beer competitions in the UK, celebrating the best in independent brewing. The awards feature rigorous judging by industry professionals, including brewers, beer sommeliers, and expert tasters. Winning a SIBA Gold Medal can be regarded as a mark of outstanding brewing quality and places.
