New Zealand First is appalled that a Nelson based furniture manufacturer has been forced to import timber from unsustainable logging operations in Fiji as a substitute for high quality West Coast rimu.

Primary industries spokesman, Doug Woolerton, said today that the firm of Russell’s has been importing the timber to make high quality furniture instead of using local rimu.

“The net result of the Labour Government’s ban on West Coast indigenous logging is therefore a further ludicrous drain on our balance of payments, and damage to the Fijian forests from clear felling operations.

“It means loss of jobs for the West Coast and no gain for world environmental issues.

“Good one” Labour, Alliance and Greens. How stupid can you get? Mr Woolerton asked.

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