‘N.D.C. role’ in beech issue

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33045, 12 October 1972, Page 3

‘N.D.C. role’ in beech issue

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 11.

The Forestry Development Council says that small and dedicated pressure groups appoint themselves as

the public conscience on public issues, and make claims on behalf of the public, without a mandate to do so.

In a report to the National Development Council today it says that a decision on proposals for South Island beech forests may be unduly delayed or adversely influenced by a failure to establish whether:

(a) The Forest Service has taken due heed of environmental values in its proposals, particularly in its zoning and classification of forest; and (b) The opposition and coun-ter-proposals from conservation interests are based on fact and reflect widely-held public opposition. “There is cause for even greater concern if present trends continue whereby con-

servation pressure groups appear to be influenced by a few vocal enthusiasts making statements outside their experience,” says the report.

The council holds that the beech forest utilisation issue is one in which the National Development Council must become involved. “INFORMED” OPINION

“The issue is one which affects national development and inpinges on the activities and interests of several sector councils to a greater or lesser extent. “The recommendation is that the N.D.C. express support for the view that the decisions to be made must take public interest into account, but on the basis of expert and objective advice, and by taking heed of informed opinion rather than subjective and often emotional views,” says the report.