Damien O’Connor
Primary Industries Spokesperson

23 May 2014

Budget slashes possum control funding

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy must explain the massive cut in funding for control of possums as TB vectors, said Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor.

“Bill English’s Budget has slashed this funding from $30 million to just $7 million from 2015/16.

“This will have a big impact on New Zealand’s reputation. Our ability to export into many markets depends on us keeping bovine TB at the lowest possible level possible.

“This cut to the funding puts our reputation and export sectors at real risk.

“It will also have a big impact on our environment and our native animals.

“Experience has shown that without on-going control, possum numbers will escalate quickly, as they are the main TB vector or carrier, and we will see bovine TB affecting more herds across New Zealand.

“Instead of tackling this important issue Nathan Guy is being a possum in the headlights as usual,” says Damien O’Connor.

ENDS

© Scoop Media