WelCom November 2017: On St Francis Day, 4 October 2017, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand presented its fourth annual State of the Environment for Oceania report, Turning the Tide. Launched at Te Ngākau Tapu Church in Porirua, this year’s report focuses on our changing relationship with the ocean.
It was observed that now is a moment in history when events coincide to produce an unstoppable momentum.
In her presentation to gathered tangata whenua, local dignitaries, partners and supporters, Caritas Director Julianne Hickey spoke of the organisations hopes for the new government’s stance on environmental issues.
‘For our forthcoming government and for their opposition we’re asking for stronger environmental policies and frameworks that will consider the full scope of environmental degradation and its effect, particularly on the peoples of Oceania. We also ask that due diligence is given to research and particularly to the voices and the wisdom of indigenous peoples across our land and across Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa.’
Mrs Hickey referred to the Pope’s writing on the environment. ‘Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ said we need to seek other ways of understanding the economy and progress, and the human meaning of ecology. Both local and international policies need to address our throwaway culture and create pathways towards sustainable ways of living.’
Launching Turning the Tide Julianne Hickey said, ‘We all have a responsibility to care for our common home, not just for ourselves and our immediate loved ones –but on behalf of all humanity. Pope Francis reminded us, in his 2015 letter on ecology, Laudato Si’, that there is an intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of our planet. “A true ecological approach … must hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor”.’
Chapter three of Turning the Tide concerns proposed offshore mining and drilling in Oceania. Caritas Papua New Guinea partner, Patrick Kituan, reflected on the legislative process around this. ‘Where the full impacts of new environmental activities are unknown, the precautionary principle and protection of the environment must take priority,’ he said.
Mrs Hickey asked for a moratorium on all seabed mining, ‘because we need to ensure there is adequate research behind environmental-related decisions and informed consent from communities prior to any activity, exploration or otherwise’.
The report also highlighted signs of hope such as the establishment of a new solar- and wind-power project spearheaded by Caritas in partnership with: New Zealand company, Powerhouse Wind; the Bishop Koete Rural Training Centre, Solomon Islands; and the New Zealand Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Rural Training Centre had previously spent a sizable percentage of its budget on diesel for electricity. Now the clean energy is powering the entire facility both day and night.
Mrs Hickey also spoke about the findings of the report as part of the Icefest Public Lecture series in Christchurch, which took place the previous day. ‘We have one global ocean and we need to be conscious of ways in which our relationship with water in Oceania may affect wildlife in Antarctica, as well as life elsewhere.’
Planting a new fern to represent new growth. Photos: Annette Scullion
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand will join the international Caritas delegation at the 2017 United Nations Climate Conference in Bonn, Germany, 6‒17 November, chaired by Fiji. Mrs Hickey will present the findings from Turning the Tide there.
‘It is an opportune time for Oceania’s voices to be heard loudly and strongly. Representing Caritas Oceania, we will be taking these voices from our region and we will hold governments accountable. We will reinforce our call for stronger action on Sustainable Development Goal 14, to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.’
Turning the Tide is available by email at caritas@caritas.org.nz or go online to www.caritas.org.nz/state-environment to download a copy.
The Turning the Tide launch began with a karanga and mihi whakatua at Te Ngākau Tapu Church, Porirua. Mons Gerrard Burns, Te Ngākau Tapu parish priest, board member of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand and president of Caritas Oceania, led the opening prayer. Karakia, readings and Hīmene reflected the environment, connections to St Francis of Assisi Day and Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddard welcomed and acknowledged manawhenua of Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Deacon Danny, along with Kaumātua, Sir Matiu Rei, CEO, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Toa Rangatira, blessed The State of the Environment Report for Oceania 2017. Following the blessings, in the neighbouring Tū-Hono Hall, Rose Sawaya, Principal Bishop Viard College, Porirua Mayor Mike Tana, local MP Kris Faafoi, Mons Burns and Caritas’ Murray Shearer offered greetings to everyone. Caritas Aotearoa NZ Director Julianne Hickey presented the new report. After discussing the report, everyone was invited outside for the planting of a new fern representing new growth. The launch closed with shared refreshments.