File:Proceedings from Conference on Conservation of NZ Scenic Attractions (1959) (22850510419).jpg

On November 24 1959 the Labour Party launched what became known as the conservation equivalent of the Black Budget. It grew out of concerns over hydro-electricity development throughout New Zealand and its effects on the environment. Aratiatia rapids at Lake Taupo, Lake Manapouri and Waikaremoana were all under threat. Held over just one day at Parliament Buildings in Wellington, delegates arrived full of hope but left angry and disgruntled over the severe limits speaking time allocated to them while government had unlimited rights of reply. Tourism and conservation interests were firmly united in their concerns. Dr S J Thompson of the North Island Motor Union said that ‘Aratiatia Rapids are an attraction doomed to become a plaything controlled by the hand of man’, while Mr R Nelson from Forest and Bird spoke of members being ‘deeply agitated about the welfare of many scenic gems throughout the country.’ Jack Newman from the New Zealand Travel and Holidays Association said this country was lagging behind countries such as Great Britain, Scandanavia, the United States, Switzerland and Holland all of which had nature conservancies to protect them against indiscriminate development.

Shown here are is the opening speech of the Conference on Conservation of New Zealand Scenic Attractions. It concluded at 4.45 pm with a resolution, unanimously carried, for the ‘setting up of a nature conservancy in New Zealand and requests the government to take such legislative steps as are necessary to this end without delay. This conservancy to be responsible to Parliament and to have statutory powers sufficient to enable it to implement a conservation policy aimed at the protection and preservation of New Zealand’s scenery, wild life, natural and historic monuments.’ This resolution was ignored by government, but conservation advocate John Salmon continued to push for a Nature Conservation Council which was set up in 1962.

Reference: R16682657 www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=16682657

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