Nathan Guy Must Stop Making Excuses And Do Something

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy is looking for excuses to justify his inaction amid growing calls by kiwifruit growers that the industry needs an independent inquiry, ACT New Zealand Primary Industries Spokesman Don Nicolson said today.

“Initially the Minister said he wouldn’t initiate an inquiry because Zespri was before the Courts on a charge of smuggling.

“Now that Zespri has been found guilty, he is using the excuse that an internal inquiry is already taking place and there is no need for the Government to step in.

“But growers who have contacted ACT do not have any faith in the internal inquiry,” Mr Nicolson said.

“New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI), which is charged with conducting the inquiry, is the very organisation that commissioned the 2007 Grant Samuel Report into Zespri and then suppressed it because it was unfavourable.

“What has changed in NZKGI since then?

“NZKGI has no credibility when it comes to conducting an independent inquiry into Zespri. The report won’t be worth the paper it is written on.

“The Minister’s continued position of doing nothing is unacceptable. By failing to take action, the Minister appears to be sanctioning Zespri's poor business behaviour that threatens our reputation.

“Kiwifruit is big business for New Zealand and our reputation relies on Zespri acting as a good corporate citizen. If its reputation is damaged our entire industry will suffer.

“The Government forces all growers to export through Zespri. It is therefore the Government’s responsibility to ensure that Zespri’s operations are above board. Initiating an independent inquiry is the only way the Government can do this,” Mr Nicolson said.

ENDS

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