Forest and Bird Society

Press, 2 June 1981, Page 20

Forest and Bird Society

Sir,—Why was the Forest and Bird Society so ineffective that many conservationists in the 1970 s determined that a different approach was necessary if the remaining lowland forests were to be saved? Largely, surely, because it did not do its own homework but, relied instead on ministers and public servants who then abused this trust. Tree-sitting brought N.F.A.C. notoriety but far more important was the way its scientists produced research publications which put to shame the superficial labours of the Forest Service and forced the latter at last to treat the public seriously in its subsequent reports. Unfortunately, in today’s materialistic think-big New Zealand, amateurs of good will can achieve little. Whatever happens on June 13, the threat to the forests and our responsibility to future generations will be no less. Wounds must be healed and the fight continued. Our cause is for posterity, we are here but for a little while. — Yours, etc., ERIC BENNETT. May 28, 1981.