Heritage status

Press, 22 January 1988, Page 20

Heritage status

Sir,—Mrs Ruth Suckling (January 18) warns that the Department of Conservation is giving irreplaceable New Zealand assets to World Heritage. The ramifications of World Heritage permeate politics, finance, education, the media and religion. World Heritage aims and objects affect every New Zealander. They call for the establishment of a world Government, and the undermining of New Zealand sovereignty. This will require us to comply with enforced “world laws.” The official plan is produced in the 1936 Comintern programme: “Dictatorship can be established only by a victory of socialism in different countries or groups of countries, after which the proletariat republics would unite on federal lines, with those already in existence at length forming the world union of Socialist Soviet Republics.” I understand that most Labour Cabinet Ministers in New Zealand are members of this anti-West world order. Loyal New Zealanders should demand explanations of those who would dare to destroy our British heritage. — Yours, etc., BERT WALKER. January 18,1988. Sir,—The Heritage status letter (January 18) echoes the sentiments of many West Coasters regarding World Heritage status for south-west New Zealand. The people cannot see the need or the haste for such a commitment. Recent disclosures reveal the instability of the U.N.E.S.C.O. committee. We feel that the proposals are unnecessary and undesirable. Six countries have recently withdrawn from U.N.E.5.C.0.; it is incomprehensible that the Government has not examined closely the reasons and ruled against proposals at this time. World Heritage proposals under the present regime are seen as a threat to New Zealand sovereignty and the right of people to make a living from the land. Existing parks, have failed to bring overseas visitors to date and enveloping the whole of South Westland, Mount Aspiring, etc., will not improve that situation. Time must be taken to explore • the mineral and other potentials of the areas before signing away by treaty the right of New Zealanders to New Zealand. West Coasters will be opposing World Heritage by way of submission to the Minister of the Environment.—Yours, etc., AUDREY CONDON, Spokesperson, South Westland Residents’ Association. January 18,1988.