Black Caps give Zimbabwe the consideration it deserves

The Greens are congratulating the Black Caps on their stunning victory over Sri Lanka and thanking captain Stephen Fleming for giving the call for a boycott of its planned Zimbabwe tour very serious consideration.

"I am heartened by Stephen Fleming's undertaking that he'll consider a boycott if, once he has read up on the issue, he considers a tour pull-out would make a difference."

"I thank him for saying that he will take a lot of care over the decision, and that he will do a lot of reading before making the call. He is exhibiting considerable moral leadership, and I applaud him for that."

Last weekend, Mr Donald wrote to 25 New Zealand cricket players asking them to consider a boycott, following assurance by NZ Cricket CEO, Martin Snedden, that players who skipped the tour would not be punished through future non-selection.

Mr Donald said the Greens' preference was for the ICC to apply an international boycott, and for the Government to show some genuine moral leadership on the issue.

"While it's wonderful the players are going to give this issue serious consideration, it really shouldn't be up to them to give effect to the Government's foreign policy on Zimbabwe. Rather, the Government should be helping New Zealand Cricket to come to the right decision. Helen Clark's strong condemnation of the Zimbabwe regime needs to be backed up with firm action."

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