5 June 2002

Media advisory

Greens host tour of battery, barn, free-range egg farms

Green MP Sue Kedgley has organised MPs from three different parties to visit a free-range, barn-raised and a battery egg farm tomorrow morning.

Phillida Bunkle from the Alliance and Stephen Franks from ACT have accepted the invitation to examine the conditions in all three types of farm. Labour MP Judy Keall has had to withdraw at the last minute. All parties in Parliament were invited to send a representative.

Tomorrow's itinerary:

7.30am Leave Parliament forecourt and travel to Foxton;

9.30-10.00am Visit Jon Turks' Poultry Farm, modern battery cages, 39 Purcell Street, Foxton; 10.00-10.30am Travel to Levin;

10.30-11.00am Visit Harry Bennicks', barn raised hens, Buller Rd, turn right off SH1 about 5km south of Levin, Harry's place is about 300 m down road on left side. Tel: 06 368 7944;

11.15-11.45am Visit Mike Schelkes' EcoEggs, free range hens, opposite Harry Bennick's place on Buller Rd. Tel: 06 368 6889 / 0274 418 245;

11.45-1.00am Travel back to Parliament.

Ms Kedgley said it was important that the public and consumers were able to see how eggs were produced in New Zealand and she was delighted that some fellow MPs would be able to see the different ways hens are reared in New Zealand.

Media are welcome to attend all sites except the battery farm.

ENDS

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