Another opinion from New Zealand (so you don't think that everyone else has
left):

It's always interesting to see the response to NZ issues from afar. I have
tended ot sit on the fence in terms of this particular issue due to a lack
of knowledge of the specific management processes involved and associated
research on the environmnetal impact. However, there are some things I have
been prompted to say.

I guess while opposing native logging in general, I am a little disturbed
that the arrangements agreed under the West Coast Forestry Accord have
overridden so easily. In my view it has been has one of the very few
examples where sides that are bitterly opposed in terms of environmental
issues have somehow managed to get an agreement. In veiw of the escalating
violence and disputes between pro- and anti- enviro sides, it would seem
that the context that this decision was taken in should have been given more
weight, despite the it's possible shortcomings.

I would also agree with Chris that if this decision means that the evidence
of research carried out at this site will not be presented as part of a
consent hearing, then everyone loses somewhat.

There is a long history of anatagonism in New Zealand between the 'greenies'
and non-greenise which leads to alienation and scepticism  on the side of
those labelled non-green (usually the land owners/forester etc.) and an
idealism and unreality on the side of those labelled green.  Given that most
critical environmental issues in NZ lay well beyond the boundaries of
publicly owned preserved forest estate, and into the management of privately
owned farm, forest and urban land, it is unhelpful to promote these types of
attitudes and labels.

I would also ask that responses do respect the New Zealand social and
ecological context or you do run the risk of cultural arrogance, which in
all honesty, was my first reaction on reading this corresponce. Ongoing
battles about bears aren't even worth mentioning and certainly don't help
the discussion.

Cheers,

Robin McIntyre
Hamilton, New Zealand
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