UnitedFuture launches key policies for protecting our outdoor heritage

UnitedFuture is the only party that truly represents the interests of outdoor recreationists, according to UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne and Outdoor Recreation Spokesperson Doug Stevens.

"UnitedFuture firmly believes New Zealanders have a right to enjoy and interact with our natural environment in a way that no other party does," said Mr Dunne.

"The Greens and Labour want to protect everything by locking us out while elements within National and Act see our conservation estate merely as an economic resource."

"It is therefore extremely important that UnitedFuture has a strong presence in Parliament," says Mr Stevens, "without us there would be no voice for those New Zealanders who value their outdoor recreation."

UnitedFuture's key outdoor policies are to:

* Make sure the Game Animal Council Bill currently before Parliament is passed and the Game Animal Council is established as a statutory body.

* Enshrine public access to all public resources, including game, waterways and coastline.

* Prohibit heli-hunting, herding or hazing from helicopters except for legitimate animal management operations when numbers warrant it.

* Protect our remaining wild rivers and institute a National Standard for Freshwater

* Phase out the use of 1080 poison and replace it with new and more environmentally friendly forms of pest-control.

* Work with the recreational fishing sector to establish a public consultation process regarding the future of inshore fisheries management. This will include whether a statutory management organisation 'run by fishers for fishers' should be established.

"The above policies specifically address a number of the key issues facing our outdoors sector such as; access to publicly owned resources, protection of our waterways, ethical harvesting practices and the sustainability of our recreational species," said Mr Dunne.

"UnitedFuture has always worked hard to represent the interest of those passionate about our outdoors," says Mr Stevens, "at number two on the party list I am enthusiastic about the possibility of UnitedFuture being an even stronger advocate for the sector over the next three years."

ENDS

'UnitedFuture: Protecting our Outdoor Heritage' video ad - http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/outdoor-heritage-ad/

The rest of UnitedFuture's outdoor recreation and conservation policies are available at http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/outdoor-recreation-and-conservation/

Authorised by Hon Peter Dunne MP, leader UnitedFuture NZ, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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