Media Release
24 July 2005

Our Future, Our Environment

Rt Hon Winston Peters has called for the planting of millions of extra trees in response to the Kyoto crisis. He has also called for tougher bio-security standards, an urgent review of 1080 use, a comprehensive oceans policy and more efficient process for dealing with sewerage as part of its environment policy launched today at a public meeting in Russell.

“We must put a stop to the legacy of despoliation and neglect for future generations. Protecting our environment is an integral part of the New Zealand ethos.

“Before we rush off trying to clean up the rest of the world using New Zealand taxpayers’ money, we should clean up our own backyard first – and central government is critical in this,” said Mr Peters.

“Why have we struck a negative carbon tax to benefit other economies when we could demonstrate our bona fides and answer any international investigation whilst at the same time enhancing our environment and our economy?

“We now have a $500 million problem because this government rushed in when caution was called for.

“A credible alternative course of sustainable action is to plant more trees – millions more. In short, New Zealand First proposes an extra 10 million native and exotic trees a year be planted over the next ten years – as a minimum.”

Mr Peters has also promised to strengthen New Zealand’s borders and increase our surveillance.

“Every offending passenger coming to New Zealand should be made aware of the risk that they are running. Accordingly, fines should be raised to $1000 per offender, and more when the offence is blatantly serious. Those who deliberately break our biosecurity laws should be deported instantly.

“Instead of saving the world, we want to clean up our own backyard, our lakes, our rivers and our beaches. So if it is a party of sensible environmentalists you want to support this election – then New Zealand First is your only choice for change,” concluded Mr Peters.

ENDS

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