Ministry Clueless Over Kauri Log Exports

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy must promptly question his staff – they appear to have no clue around the illegal export of swamp kauri, says New Zealand First.

“Northland swamps are being drained and logs worth millions are being trucked away. Everyone but the Ministry says they are sent to China,” says Leader and Member of Parliament for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“Is there some sort of massive cover up by the ministry and the sellers going on here? A Ministry spokesperson is categorically denying these logs are being exported. She says we are confused.

“But all the evidence from interest groups and advertising overseas shows ancient kauri logs are for sale, and they are leaving New Zealand.

“The Ministry spokesperson maintains that the logs are still in New Zealand awaiting ‘artwork’.

“To be told the Ministry works closely with exporters and inspects all notified exports is plain nonsense given we are told that many export documents are never completed.

“The Minister must set out the truth here, he must give us the figures,” says Mr Peters.

ENDS

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