‘Polluter-pays’ model

A national freshwater plan is advocating for a ‘polluter pays’ policy to be enforced in Auckland.

Earlier this month political parties were urged to adopt a seven-step plan to help address the country’s freshwater quality issues.

The plan, put together by tourism, science, health, recreation and environment organisations, recommended a ‘polluter pays’ policy was adopted by councils, making organisations financially responsible for pollution.

Choose Clean Water was one of the organisations involved with the plan. Spokesperson Marnie Prickett said consequences were not strong enough to deter Auckland polluters.

‘‘At the moment if you can pollute willy nilly, there’s no incentive to innovate and change your infrastructure.’’

Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters Andrew Chin said a polluter pays scheme could be considered, but it would be difficult to implement because of how complex pollution monitoring is.

For example, many households pollute stormwater systems, from everyday tasks like vehicle washing on driveways, Chin said.

‘‘However, these are important discussions to have.’’

While environment minister Dr Nick Smith said the Government would not adopt the plan, the Green Party’s Catherine Delahunty supported the policy.

WARWICK SMITH/FAIRFAX NZ Marnie Prickett (left) says at the moment businesses and councils can pollute ‘‘willy nilly’’.