Guardians of the Sounds is an independent community group speaking up for the water, wildlife and people of the Marlborough Sounds, at council hearings, in the Environment Court and to government.
The Marlborough Sounds from the air. Photo: Guardians of the Sounds
A voice for the people who live on, work on and love the Marlborough Sounds.
The Guardians began with a large group of Queen Charlotte Sound residents worried about the damage fast-ferry wash was doing to the foreshore and to people's safety. To give the wider Sounds community a voice, the group became an incorporated society in August 2000.
Our first object is "to ensure that the natural environment, water quality, ecological biodiversity, safety of people and wildlife of the Marlborough Sounds and surrounds are managed wisely both now and in the future." Members are permanent and part-time residents, bach and boat owners, fishers and anyone who cares about this place.
We want Cook Strait ferries and large ships to use the northern entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound, not the narrow Tory Channel.
We test marine farm applications against the evidence on the seabed, and hold farms to the rules in their consents.
We joined Environment Court appeals to protect natural character, landscape and biodiversity on the coast.
Environment Court. Decided; appeal otherwise dismissed
Marlborough District Council. Decision issued
Environment Court. Consent order
Chair Pete Beech explains why the ferries should use the northern entrance of Queen Charlotte Sound.
After the Aratere ran aground near Picton, the Guardians said the ageing fleet and the route were disasters waiting to happen.
Tory Channel residents and the Guardians question whether much larger ferries can use the channel safely.
Every submission carries more weight with members behind it. Membership is $25 a year for one person or $35 for a family, and you can help as much or as little as you like.
