Labour expresses disbelief at Manawatu Federated Farmers Stance

Labour Party Environment Spokesperson Charles Chauvel has expressed disbelief at the Manawatu branch of Federated Farmers refusal to sign an accord to clean up the polluted Manawatu River and says the decision badly misjudges public opinion.

“Every New Zealander wants to see a profitable dairying sector. But Kiwis are increasingly aware that too many of our rivers are no longer able to be swum in, fished from or drunk out of. Farming is a big contributor to this problem and needs to step up and play its part in finding solutions.

“The next Labour-led Government will be setting ambitious goals to ensure improved water quality. It is always preferable to see farming and other industry groups working voluntarily with the Government and communities to achieve these goals.

“But there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that if such cooperation is not forthcoming, resort will be had to regulatory solutions,” Charles Chauvel said.

ENDS

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