Source: Greenpeace Aotearoa
Greenpeace has announced that it will host an election debate on fresh water in Christchurch on October 19th, titled ‘the Great Freshwater Debate’.
The debate will be held at The Piano (156 Armagh Street, Christchurch), and all major political parties have been invited to attend.
Greenpeace spokesperson Rhiannon Mackie says, “We should all be able to swim in the local river, or drink the water coming out of our kitchen tap without getting sick. So far, no government has done enough to protect freshwater from pollution and over-use.
“This debate offers us the opportunity to hear directly from the main political parties how they plan to protect the water we drink, the lakes we swim in, and the rivers we take kai from.”
Parties who have confirmed their attendance at the debate include Labour, NZ First, the Green Party, and Opportunity. Greenpeace is calling on National, Act, and Te Pāti Māori to join them.
The debate will be independently moderated by senior Newsroom journalist, David Williams. Immediately following the debate, an expert panel will comment on the political positions. Expert panel members are: Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director, Dr Russel Norman; Gabrielle Huria CEO of Te Kura Taka Pini, Ngāi Tahu; Irrigation NZ chair, Andrew Mockford; and freshwater scientist and public health policy researcher, Marnie Prickett.
The public are being invited to submit questions in advance by emailing people.power@greenpeace.org with Great Freshwater Debate – Question as the subject line. The debate is free but seats are limited, so those attending are asked to register in advance.