Conservation Minister Shows His Ignorance

Conservation Minister Chris Carter `s gratuitous insult of rural New Zealand, by describing agriculture as "extractive" - during a speech to the Federated Farmers National Council - is totally reflective of his ignorance of both conservation and agriculture, ACT Rural Affairs Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff said today.

"Rural communities, Mr Carter, have been reared on a culture of sustaining the land for current and future use without the need to wear their achievements on their sleeve," Mr Eckhoff said.

"Is he aware, for example, of over 4 million tonnes of lime and super phosphate being applied to the land annually?

"It is extraordinary that this Minister promotes tourism and recreational opportunities on farms while supporting free public access to such areas. How sustainable is that Minister?

"Mr Carter should focus on how he is going to stop the extractive process going on daily within our native forests, namely the slaughter of kiwi and other indigenous wildlife. Nothing is more extractive as that"!

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