New Zealand out of step with Pacific on whaling

New Zealand out of step with Pacific on whaling

The New Zealand Government’s stance on allowing some commercial whaling in the Southern Ocean means this country is looking more and more out of step with its neighbours, Labour Foreign Affairs spokesperson Chris Carter says.

“This week, it was announced that the Tokelau Islands would create a whale sanctuary in their waters, showing both their commitment to conservation and a desire to develop their tourist industry,” Chris Carter said.

“By potentially committing to commercial whaling the New Zealand Government is potentially damaging the economic opportunities of countries like the Tokelau’s and is putting New Zealand off side with countries like Australia.

“Australian commissioner to the IWC Donna Petrachenko described the plan being promoted by New Zealand as ‘well short of a result that Australia could accept’.

“New Zealand was recently invited to attend a recent summit on nuclear arms because this country has been a world leader in developing a unique but moral position and maintaining it even in the face of pressure from much larger countries.

“Why the New Zealand Government is looking to let go of its international reputation as a country committed to opposing commercial whaling is a mystery?

“New Zealand should be supporting its Pacific neighbours and maintaining it position as a respected world leader on whaling,” Chris Carter said.

ENDS