Editorial: 'Terrible smash' coming quickly

For the all the hot air and posturing that comes out of political party conferences, Green Party co-leader Russel Norman sent a message at the weekend that should have special resonance in Manawatu: economic and environmental interests are heading for a "terrible collision".

The ongoing debate about how to best manage the Manawatu River is a microcosm of the impending catastrophe Mr Norman outlined, and a perfect case study in the delicate balancing act regulators are forced to undertake.

Dairy farmers are unfairly demonised for fouling up the region's river when the reasons for the poor state of the waterway are complex, with plenty of responsibility to go around. What is not complex, however, is the essential question we face: how much are we prepared to pay for a clean river?

The dairy industry in Manawatu, as with the country as a whole, is a massive economic earner. It is profitable in itself, and supports many related industries. Ironically, much of its earning power, particularly overseas, is based on New Zealand's image as "clean and green".

While economic benefits can be calculated and quantified, the value of a brand can not. We know that New Zealand's "100 per cent pure" brand is of great value to our tourist industry, but it's impossible to determine how much economic damage would be incurred if it is eroded.

What is becoming increasingly clear, particularly in relation to the Manawatu River, is that a time is fast approaching when we will have to embrace one at the near destruction of the other. Horizons Regional Council says its role is to balance competing interests relating to the river. That is no easy feat and, despite a lot of public criticism, it does a commendable job.

But that role must change. The conflict between environmental imperatives and economic ones will only become more fierce, and a decision must be made about which is of greater value. The two cannot coexist forever.

If the people of this region want a clean, healthy river for generations to come, they need to put their money where their mouths are. There is a price to be paid and it will either be drawn from our wallets, or from our legacy as responsible stewards of our environment.

Manawatu is further down the road towards the collision Mr Norman speaks of, and we need to decide quickly which vehicle has to start applying the brakes.Today's Manawatu Standard pays tribute to all the people from this region who have been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

These people have contributed to Manawatu and the country in many different ways, but they are all outstanding New Zealanders. They are a credit to the region and it's important we acknowledge them for the contributions they have made. Most of them are unsung heroes and they deserve the public accolades they have received.

- © Fairfax NZ News