Eckhoff Welcomes Kiwi Preservation Plan

Wednesday 23 Jun 2004 Gerry Eckhoff Press Releases -- Environment & Conservation

ACT New Zealand Rural Affairs Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff today welcomed an Environment, Conservation and Outdoor Education Trust initiative to have a creche built to protect kiwi chicks from predators.

"The Trust is building a 3.2 kilometre fence to keep a 33 hectare area in Hawke's Bay free of predators, so that kiwi chicks can grow up safe from harm," Mr Eckhoff said

"For years, ACT has advocated such an initiative. The next - and most important - step in ensuring the survival of the kiwi is to develop a trade in these birds between sanctuaries, which may, or may not, be privately owned.

"Only when such a trade is developed will the survival of our highly endangered bird life be guaranteed. The Crown's current monopoly over wildlife will only prolong, for a short while, the survival of the kiwi.

"Engage the private sector and the future will be bright for our iconic species, especially the kiwi," Mr Eckhoff said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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