Feds meets NZ First and says NZ should be put firs

27 August 2008

Feds meets NZ First and says New Zealand should be put first

Federated Farmers president, Don Nicolson, along with a delegation of farmer leaders, met with NZ First at 4pm today and asked that the party not support the current Emissions Trading Scheme Bill.

“The New Zealand First party should not support this bill if they want to put New Zealanders first,” Mr Nicolson said.

“Like the rest of New Zealand, agriculture will be impacted by any scheme from day one through increased input prices. Federated Farmers is very concerned that politicians are rushing into legislation without thinking it through and not fully taking into account the adverse impacts on consumers, the economy and agriculture. The risk of getting this wrong is substantial.

“Last night we met with and asked the Progressive party leader, Hon Jim Anderton, to put agriculture first and vote against the Bill.

“Today, a parliament we met NZ First and asked them to put New Zealand first.

“We have had a good hearing, but are they listening to New Zealand’s farming community? This remains to be seen.

“If NZ First does not support the bill it is unlikely to pass. If Jim Anderton was to vote against it, this could also mean its passing is in doubt, even if NZ First did vote for it. Mr Anderton could be the real king maker on this issue.

“In the meeting NZ First said they would consider the farmers of New Zealand’s perspective,” Mr Nicolson said.

The Federation is meeting the Maori party leadership in the morning.

ENDS

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