Foreword
I am delighted to write this foreword to the second edition of Gentle Footprints: Boots ‘n’ All so soon after the first print-run of 15,000 copies, because there could hardly be a stronger testament to the success of this publication.
The good health of our environment is key to our continued social and economic success and well-being.
It is, therefore, fitting that this publication be accessible to a wide audience and this book has been rightly described as a conversation starter for people who want to know more about New Zealand’s environmental issues.
This is a further signal that environmental issues have moved from the wings to centre stage.
While the format and style of this book might be different, that does not mean that it shies away from the pressing environmental issues – clean air, clean water, how we manage waste, and climate change, to name just a few of the topics that are covered in Boots ‘n’ All.
I believe people will find their reading as informative as it is enjoyable. The data and information included in this book will be part of New Zealand’s future environmental reporting programme.
Finally, I would like to thank the previous Chief Executive of the Ministry for the Environment for the personal contribution he made to the success of the Ministry, including initiating this book to share with a wide audience information about the New Zealand environment.
David Benson-Pope
Minister for the Environment
