Strong protest marks local 'Love DOC Day'

April 12th, 2013
[Photos supplied]

About 50 people gathered between noon and 2pm yesterday in front of Motueka Museum to show their support for the Department of Conservation on "Love DOC Day".

The event was one of many nationwide to protest the proposed budget cuts within DOC and the subsequent axing of Area Managers and Programme Managers, with the expectation that more work will be done by volunteers.

At the Motueka demonstration messages of support were gathered, and people were keen to show their support for DOC and opposition to the proposed changes and cuts at DOC.

Green armbands saying "Don't knock DOC" were distributed, and many messages of support were gathered from the event. And a big chocolate cake was donated.

Volunteers from community groups Forest and Bird, Friends of Flora, Kea Conservation Trust, and The Renewables all helped out.

Many of those present already volunteer or work with DOC, and they discussed the important contributions that DOC makes to our environment, and our enjoyment of it.

"The restructuring at DOC will leave Motueka a poorer place, and we wanted to show the people at DOC that we value the contribution that they make and jobs that they do," says Renewables spokeswoman Tara Forde. "The cuts at DOC shouldn't go ahead, the government should look elsewhere."

At 2.15pm protesters went down to the DOC Motueka office and presented staff with messages of appreciation which had been collected.

"Some great conversations took place amongst tea and cake about favourite huts, recent tramps, current DOC projects, and volunteering," says Tara.

"By valuing DOC and the work that they do, we hope that today Motueka helped send a message to decision makers that the DOC cuts are a bad idea."

Comment by Malcolm Garrett:
[Posted 13 April 2013]

Al Morrison swears that the planned "reorganisation" came from the locals in the Dept! Hard to swallow that. My son works for DOC in Southland and he is a bit blasé over it all, but then nothing worries him as long as he can get out in the bush and take care of his beloved tracks and huts in Fiordland. He claims he has the best job in the world, doing what other folks have to wait till their holidays to do!

Other friends assured me that DOC had it coming after "gold-plated" hut upgrades wasted heaps of money. I pointed out the paint manufacturers were "sponsoring" hut maintenance, but that was not his point. He called for the old simplicity of back country huts to be maintained. It seems that DOC cannot please anyone. Who would be a DOC boss?

My main concern is that the care of endangered species is enhanced, and that pest control be trebled, especially in the inaccessible back country where trappers of possums for example, never go. Good on yer, DOC workers!

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

[ Return ]
[ Other news articles ]

We wish to thank these local community-minded businesses who generously sponsor our site. They recognise the value of supporting this community asset, and in return Motueka Online is pleased to use and recommend their services whenever appropriate.

Ray White Motueka, Motueka Floral Studio, Nelson Building Society, House of Travel,
Greenwood Active Health, Lynette Mytton, T.O.A.D Hall, , Satellite Networks