Richard Prosser MP
Spokesperson for Primary Industries
14 MARCH 2017

MINISTER TELLING FIBS OVER WATER POLICY

Environment Minister Nick Smith told fibs about New Zealand First’s policy on water exports in Parliament today.

“Dr Smith made claims we had called for a specific charge per litre applying to all users which is false,” says Spokesperson for Primary Industries Richard Prosser.

“New Zealand First wants a royalty paid only by water exporters and only when water is exported in the form of water.

“At least 25 per cent of that royalty would be kept in the region from where the water was taken.

“This is not the first time Dr Smith has told porkies about our policy. In May he wrote a column that we would prohibit water exports. That was untrue.

“As we stated previously it is economic folly and a slap in the face to New Zealanders for mainly foreign-owned companies to be allowed to export our water and sell it at a profit, when the nation receives nothing in return.

“We do not charge holders of consented water takes for the water they extract and use here, and neither should we, because water is common property.

“But when that water is sent overseas for profit then that water should command a royalty collected by the Crown on behalf of the people to whom this common property belongs.

“It’s time the government acted and allowed the nation to have a return on its resources.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media