Te Waikoropupū Springs are a national and international taonga (treasure). The springs have some of the clearest water ever measured on earth. That clarity is under threat from rising nitrate pollution - the signature of industrial dairying. The main source of the pollution is dairy farms in the recharge area of the aquifer, which apply hundreds of tonnes of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser each year, mainly urea. For over three years Golden Bay volunteers have meticulously monitored nitrate levels at the Springs. The undeniable trend is upward. By September 2019 the levels were 30% up from 2016 - and rising. Increasing nitrate levels are a threat to the unique ecosystem of Te Waikoropupū Springs. Elevated nitrate levels create ideal growing conditions for ugly algal blooms and pond slime. Recently a mat of ‘filamentous green algae’ was observed by DOC at the Dancing Sands Spring. This contaminant is typically found in nitrate rich waters. Rising nitrate levels also threaten the tiny creatures (stygofauna) that create the sparkling clear water in the aquifer. Te Waikoropupū Springs are of immense cultural, ecological and spiritual importance to New Zealanders. They are a Wāhi Tapu (Sacred place) to Māori. They are visited by more than 90,000 people a year. The upward trend in nitrate readings is a call to urgent action! We the undersigned ask that Minister for the Environment David Parker and the New Zealand Government acts urgently to ban synthetic nitrogen fertiliser from the recharge area of the Arthur Marble Aquifer.

ALTERNATIVES: We submit that the site was selected based on altered scores, due almost entirely to inappropriate political pressure on the CCO as a result of sustained media coverage, resulting in the most optimal site from being selected. We submit that the first principle of the RMA to AVOID irreversible adverse environmental effects has not been satisfactorily achieved with the project being proposed in this location. It is also inconsistent with the relevant objectives and policies of the Auckland Unitary Plan. VEGETATION REMOVAL: Noting that Auckland Council declared a climate emergency on 11th June 2019 we submit the removal of thousands of trees is irresponsible and out of step with best practice. The ecology reports confirm this site forms linkages and corridors for wildlife with adjoining regional parkland including the North-West Link, furthermore edge effects will compromise the trees that remain outside of the construction site. We submit that proposed buffer zones are totally inappropriate in size, additionally at the Reservoir 2 site all high integrity bush inside the “buffer zone” will be removed, and replaced by low value vegetation. Watercare already plan that that new vegetation may need to be removed in the future for pipe maintenance. The shaft of the NH2 is inside the area of highest ecological value, and within riparian margins. This “creep” of add-ons is indicative of further encroachment over time. This is further demonstrated by the Watercare statement: “Revegetation of the decommissioned WTP site is not proposed, in order to preserve the long term resilience of the water supply system through allowing space for future refurbishment and/or expansion of the plant" EFFECTS ON BIODIVERSITY: We submit that due consideration has not been made to: The impact of noise on surrounding wildlife. Furthermore in our view a satisfactory understanding of the underlying wildlife habitat that will be disturbed has not been established. Eg, a single bird survey period of December-January is inadequate. The bat survey was also inconclusive and further investigations are warranted. After the applicant was notified on 10 June 2019 of the discovery of new insect species and the presence of other rare insect species, further investigations were warranted before the application was lodged. KAURI AND KAURI DIEBACK: Large parts of the Waitakere Ranges are closed to prevent the spread of kauri dieback yet 3.5ha of land are to be cleared within this protected area. We would like to point out that: Only those kauri with a trunk diameter >20cm have been counted during site surveys, leaving smaller regenerating kauri unaccounted for. No investigations specific to the proposed development have been undertaken and the Ecological Report does not address the sensitive root systems of kauri and the impact of stress on vulnerability to kauri dieback. The SOPs for kauri dieback were not designed for projects of this scale and all soil from the project site must be considered as contaminated for the purpose of the potential spread of kauri dieback disease to kauri beyond the project footprint treated in accordance with this assumption. IMPACTS DOWNSTREAM OF THE SITE We submit that sediment controls are inadequate and the risk of failure could be catastrophic. Titirangi-Laingholm Catchment Modelling, including flood profiling is still underway giving insufficient information regarding the risk. Failure Mode 1 does not adequately address the evacuation or warning systems with downstream residents or the school which tests water in Kopai Gully. Given all soil is assumed to be contaminated such an event would risk healthy and genetically diverse kauri downstream. It would also risk the population of inanga at Little Muddy Creek. TRAFFIC IMPACT: This proposal has a 8year construction period. Consideration must be made of the impact not only for local traffic that use these roads every day, but for tourist traffic, school buses and cyclists. Pedestrian safety for school children and recreational and dog walkers will be compromised. Vibration damage of homes along the truck routes will be an additional cost to the project not budgeted for. TOURISM AMENITY IMPACTS The proposed construction site is at the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges and would be a very visual scar and tarnish our international image. THE PROPOSED TRUST: Titirangi Protection Group opposes mitigation regarding it as a blunt archaic tool and out of step with progressive thinking to development in our city. We submit that this is only compensation (and should in no way be referred to as “mitigation”) and is focused on Biosecurity not Biodiversity. Mitigation is over and above what is currently planned or supported. We note there are multiple groups in the proposed zone who have support to increase biodiversity in the area via Auckland Biodiversity expertise and Auckland Council Grants. The NETR has increased this support. Any Trust should be in existence for the whole operational life of the plant, not just the period whilst being built and commissioned. The expected high level of engagement in the catchment is based on the aspirations of the community in relation to the Muddy Creeks Local Area Plan, however this does not take into account the resistance of many in the catchment who oppose the project and want no part in perceived blood/hush money. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? The site is almost completely covered in native vegetation and has been identified as a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) in the AUP. The site is only one of a small number of SEAs in Auckland that meet all 5 of the conditions required to be a SEA. Studies show direct connections between spending time in a forest atmosphere and the lowering of the stress hormone cortisol. The loss of forest, together with the noise and disruption will be distressing for the community over a long period of time.

This petition is on behalf of the residents of The Avenues, Tauranga South, TAURANGA, which is made up of a wide cross section of age groups, individuals, couples and families, a small business community, a Primary School, an early Childhood centre and two worship centers are greatly concerned about the proposal to build a new Department of Corrections facility at 36 Burrows Street, Tauranga South, to serve all of Tauranga. This is a residential area with a major traffic ‘hotspot’. A ‘hotspot’ that Tauranga City Council is struggling to come up with a solution for. Therefore, increasing the traffic through this residential area with an approximate 660 persons per week (including 100 staff) on a weekly basis and Saturdays, is just one of the significant problems that will be created. The figure of 660 persons (including staff) per week at 36 Burrows Street, Tauranga, does not take into account the projected growth of Tauranga Corrections services over the next three, five, ten, twenty years. The Department of Corrections have stated that these facilities will not create an adverse situation to the residents and public as the facility will only be visited by ‘low level’ offenders. However, those who live and work in the Avenues area that will be affected and those who work adjacent to existing offices have a different opinion to those of the Department of Corrections. Let’s do all we can to stop this centre being developed so close to people’s homes, schools, daycare centres and businesses. Tauranga has numerous industrial areas much more suited to this type of facility. Even Tauranga CBD, which is a central transportation hub, would be more suitable. Please sign the attached Petition to stop the proposed Department of Corrections Consolidated Probation facility at 36, Burrows Street, Tauranga South, 3112, Tauranga

The New Zealand taxpayer has spent $489,208.00 on the mandated review of the Veterans Act 2014 but are not being informed of the well-spent monies results. I believe they should be informed, and then asked what they wish to do with those results. Professor Paterson, former NZ Parliamentary Ombudsman, learned findings should be looked at and considered better than a quick Amendment, he’s even told us how to fix the Act. Having looked over the shoulder of the smart kid we should be getting an A but we are failing, government giving public the appearance of solidity to pure wind. A seemingly ridiculous extreme to settle an arguably minor grievance. Except, there are 64. In the last 50 years we have: • Put a man on the moon • Cloned a sheep • and, Decoded the Human genome Only once have we looked at the way we care for our Veterans. The Veterans Act 2014, has a provision for review of effectiveness after 2 years. Professor Paterson and his team were appointed in June 2017, completing their task by March 2018 giving 64 recommendations for urgent change. This achievement backed by the Right Honourable Ron Mark statement at the time “I have asked officials to begin work on these immediately”, leading the New Zealand Veteran Community towards false hope. With no provision for detailed command and control, and failed promises, 17 months later there is still no action on the 64, urgent, recommendations. (In May 2018) Ron Mark acknowledged the term Veteran, as a fundamental part of the Act, assuring a decision on its complex nature by the end of June. Which June is not clear, has he missed this year as well? How is that Royal Decree for Section 9 and the definition of a veteran? Veterans Affairs definition of the word Veteran is purposefully complex allowing them to impose stringent, sometimes unattainable conditions on our military, both serving and retired. Veterans that never deployed, yet dedicated an enormous part of their life to New Zealand, repeatedly do not meet the unfeasible heights required by Veterans Affairs to be recognised as, a Veteran. I think it is only right to remind the people, of the often-dangerous circumstances. Circumstances in which we expect our security forces, while under effective enemy fire, to; Evaluate a situation. Judge the risks to their own lives and those of others, and act appropriately within the law. Often in a matter of seconds, or less. Do not underestimate the difficulties they face! Should not a sense of honour and dignity then be afforded to the Veteran as defined by the Dictionary? Discrimination and inequality have eroded the foundations of the much-needed care and support our services have earned. There is no need for a tier system, for any veteran seeking help. Ever. Where you served and for how long should not be a criteria, signing the Oath of Allegiance is enough. The government agree that when the Veterans time is done they will receive indisputable support and entitlements accepting that Veterans Right to live independently, in their own home, where neither travel nor administration shall prejudice, sadly not in practice. We must favour verifiable evidence over private feeling, otherwise we leave ourselves susceptible to those that would obscure the truth. Each Veteran should be treated with respect and wrap-a-round assistance based upon their individual needs after meeting the only criteria they need; they wore the uniform! Any dispute with Veterans Affairs, is decided by Veterans Affairs, if Veterans Affairs agree they have done something wrong in the first place. The veteran is not allowed to attend. Surely a judgement made by Veterans Affairs, about Veterans Affairs, in a closed meeting is either illegal, unethical or both? The criteria to meet Veterans Affairs definition of the word Veteran is so ridiculous that decades of service, wars and numerous tours is not enough, I dread to think of the pressure placed upon the younger Veteran, and those still to come knowing what little safety net they actually have should their service to New Zealand injure them in any way. The Veteran community have shown courage and conviction and have said Enough. Enough indecisiveness and lethargy towards the very definition of, their word. The Homework has been done for us. Should we not now ask New Zealand how they wish to acknowledge the service of their military? The Minister for Veterans, when asked this same question chose to take a political view rather than that befitting an Officer of Her Majesties Armed Forces. Conversely, as a veteran of 2 wars and numerous deployments I have earned the Right to ask New Zealand how they wish to acknowledge their military, using the 64, urgent, recommendations made by Professor Paterson in the mandated Review known as the Warrant of Fitness. Sid Gould – Ngati Tumatauenga

Our nation’s global reputation relies on a government that puts the health of its environment and people's wellbeing first. Spending millions of dollars from the nation’s pension fund on farms that practice Winter Crop Grazing is one of the most unethical choices the Superannuation investment fund has EVER made! In contrast to traditional grazing, winter crop grazing restricts animals to small patches of land for long periods, which quickly turn into mud. This practice causes freshwater pollution, animal suffering and soil degradation. Freshwater pollution: Nitrate leaches into our aquifers at over 10 times the rate of normal grazing, destroying groundwater for future use and remaining for hundreds of years. Phosphate- and pathogen-rich effluent runs off into streams, rivers, lakes and estuaries, making them un-swimmable, and killing ecosystems. Animal suffering: The land these animals are grazed on turns to mud, which leaves animals with nowhere dry to rest and give birth. They often end up licking mud to get water. Soil degradation: Winter crop grazing destroys the soil and releases tonnes of stored carbon into the atmosphere, accelerating climate breakdown. This practice is heavily dependant on pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilisers which are causing severe decline in biodiversity and human health. This is no way to be ‘investing for the next generation’. Please sign and share this petition with your networks Email the minister responsible: Hon Grant Robertson, Minister of Finance. g.robertson@ministers.govt.nz Tell him to; Stop investing any of the New Zealand Super Fund into farms that are winter crop grazing, divest from any that continue, and find sustainable alternatives immediately!

Researchers, scientists, physicists, biologists and physicians internationally know that there are many health, safety, environmental, privacy, security and energy use issues associated with 5G, which have not been addressed. It is vital that the Precautionary Principle is invoked in New Zealand, and the roll out of 5G is halted until it is proven safe for all life. In an appeal to the European Union, more than 180 scientists and doctors from 36 countries warn about the danger of 5G, which will lead to a massive increase in involuntary exposure to electromagnetic radiation. https://www.5gappeal.eu/ They say, “We, the undersigned scientists, recommend a moratorium on the roll-out of the fifth generation, 5G, for telecommunication until potential hazards for human health and the environment have been fully investigated by scientists independent from industry. 5G will substantially increase exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on top of the 2G, 3G, 4G, WiFi etc. for telecommunications already in place. RF-EMF has been proven to be harmful for humans and the environment.” “Evidence that radio frequency (RF) radiation is harmful to life is already overwhelming. The accumulated clinical evidence that the major diseases of modern civilization—cancer, heart disease and diabetes—are in large part caused by electromagnetic pollution, forms a literature base of well over 10,000 peer-reviewed studies.” https://www.5gappeal.eu/the-5g-appeal/ Insurance companies throughout the world, including the underwriters, Lloyds of London, are declining cover for any health problems or illnesses, which result from EMR (Electro-Magnetic Radiation), including 5G Technology. What does that tell us? One of the initiators of the above appeal is Dr. L. Hardell, Professor of Oncology at Örebro University in Sweden. He states: “The telecom industry is trying to roll out technology that may have very real, unintended harmful consequences. Scientific studies, both recently and over many years, have identified harmful effects on health when testing wireless products under realistic conditions. We are very concerned that the increase in radiation exposure by 5G leads to damage that cannot be reversed”. Effects include increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damages, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general well-being in humans. Damage goes well beyond the human race, as there is growing evidence of harmful effects to both plants and animals. 5G stopped in Brussels Plans for a pilot project to provide high-speed 5G wireless internet in Brussels have been halted due to fears for the health of citizens. Environmental Minister Céline Fremault explains: "I cannot welcome such technology if the radiation standards, which must protect the citizen, are not respected. The people of Brussels are not guinea pigs whose health I can sell at a profit. We cannot leave anything to doubt." For more information on 5G go to http://www.5g.org.nz/

The use of traditional animal agriculture produces significant amounts of greenhouse gases, pollutes our oceans, and uses up copious amounts of land, water, and energy. It involves food-borne disease, antibiotics, chemicals and feces. It is also inherently cruel, and it simply does not work towards a cleaner, more sustainable, and more peaceful future. The steps we are calling for WILL work towards that future. There are not many politicians we believe would stick their necks out on the line for this, but we hope that Rep. Ocasio-Cortez is one that will. Please sign this petition and show Rep. Ocasio-Cortez that this is the direction the future is heading in and we will not stop until it is fulfilled.

Every year, over 256,000 students sit end of year external exams. On average, if each student were to sit four examination subjects, over 556,000 plastic exam coverslips would be wasted. Despite the fact that NZQA's plastic flow-wraps are biodegradable, research shows these biodegradable plastics can only biodegrade when in the correct UV light and temperature conditions, and often these plastics do not end up in the correct place upon disposal. By ensuring that examination centres and schools receive transparent information regarding correct disposal, we can make sure that these plastics are being disposed of correctly. We would like to have our student community across New Zealand follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis who is currently pushing for all individuals to act as stewards for the environment. In order to do so, we would like to send NZQA a message from the Catholic Schools of Auckland, and the wider community to become more transparent, to commit to a timeline, and to communicate better with schools and examination centres.

This is important to me because I care about the environment and I want it to remain for many years to come. We must act NOW! When the last tree is cut down, and the seas all dried up, man will realise that he CANNOT EAT MONEY.

It is our right to be able to have access to affordable food and clean water. Things that could threaten this now are - economic collapse on the world stage climate change and longer term - loss of biodiversity through insect collapse our reliance on imported food and fuel overfishing and polluting the oceans chemical and industrial sprays monocultures in farming meteors or solar flares Three months of basic food and fuel must be stored in this country at all times, Planning for food shortage must be addressed urgently since to resolve this will take time. Look first at our dependence on Australia for wheat. We need cash security – what happens when the ATMs stop working? It will be up to the Think Tank to come up with solutions at a government level. This article explains how climate issues can affect our food, and how we already have significant problems as identified by Horticulture NZ. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12016943 FYI Some Solutions: The government, Civil Defence, and the army need to put plans in place now, not in ten years time, to ensure that we in New Zealand do not suffer greatly when the ‘proverbial’ hits the fan. Food production must become local and varied. Reliance on imported food must reduce. We must halt the use of pesticides and chemicals in farming. There need not be insect collapse, that scientists are warning us about, if the worst pesticides and herbicides are banned. A move to permaculture and organics is possible over the next few years. We must clean up the environment in all areas, not just farming and forests, but in gardens, city beaches and harbours, and run offs from industry. Our water must be clean and unpolluted. Schools, maraes, churches, mosques, and other communities can create community gardens. Even sports clubs usually have a little land that can be used to grow fruit trees or gardens. High rise buildings can have gardens on the top to feed those living below. Each suburb in towns could have a ‘high rise’ type of building, (vertical farming), that grows and distributes vegetables. We can introduce high-rise urban farming too. Local governments can organise these with some government funding. Supermarket chains – head offices – can have government funded store houses for basic foods that are regularly circulated and replenished. Water too needs to be stored. Planning for food coupons? Farmers can hand over a few accessible hectares for locals to farm on – whether using it for chicken houses or vegetables. Methods of transport need to be ensured that don’t use oil / fossil fuels for if the economy collapses there will be little or no petrol and food will not be able to be transported. Planning for carless days as in the 70s? Everyone needs to work together to make this country more sustainable in food, water and other services. We in New Zealand have a chance to survive in relative comfort, but only if we begin preparing now including government. Imagine a category 4 or 5 cyclone hitting Auckland and the ensuing devastation. Are we really prepared for power cuts for weeks? We must consider our youth and create a good future for them and their progeny. After all we inherited the earth, and we have wrecked it for our grandchildren. New Zealand is one place that could survive if the proper steps are put in place

Glyphosate is classified by the World Health Organisation as “probably carcinogenic” to humans, yet it is still legal to use it in public spaces like parks and on roadsides. If it enters waterways, glyphosate harms fish and other aquatic animals. Many of our roadside drains lead straight into the rivers and then the harbour. Glyphosate is often combined in weed killers with other active ingredients that also harm animals and people. Currently FNDC uses around 480 litres of glyphosate and other herbicides in parks and reserves and more than 1000 litres on roadsides per year. Many people are concerned about the health impacts of these chemicals on themselves and their children and are currently unable to avoid them as they are liberally sprayed around our public places. We believe FNDC has a responsibility not to undertake practices that are harmful to residents of the district and to safeguard the interests of rate payers by not making themselves liable for future claims of harm caused. In 2018 a man in the US was awarded $78 million in compensation because RoundUp caused his cancer. There are plenty of non-toxic alternatives available including hot water treatment, steam treatment, and products made from plant oils. We recently had a very successful demonstration in Rawene of a product called Foamstream https://www.weedingtech.com/nz/

To defend our climate, we need to stop handing out oil and gas permits. The government has opened up 2,188 km² of Taranaki land to oil companies. We are saying: NO WAY! Handing out permits for more fossil fuel exploration while the planet is melting can only be described as ecocide and crime against humanity. Fossil fuel companies have known of their impacts on climate and ocean chemistry for many decades, and have acted to increase their biosphere-destroying activities, not transition to clean renewables. We are reading reports about the collapse of the glaciers in Greenland and the collapse of the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. The melting of the ice will lead to sea-level rise of several meters. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere keep rising due to increasing emissions despite politicians saying that climate change is a priority. If we are to take climate change seriously – and we owe it to our children – then we need to stop drilling for more oil and gas or digging up more coal now. Handing out permits to oil companies now is like handing out death certificates to our children. Find out more on the Climate Justice Taranaki website: www.climatejusticetaranaki.info