Baldock to present aerial spraying petition

United Future biosecurity spokesman, Larry Baldock, will today present to Parliament a petition signed by approximately two thousand West Auckland residents calling for the aerial spray campaign about to be launched against the Painted Apple Moth to be cancelled.

"While United Future does not agree with the stated aim of the petition - because we think it is vital that the Painted Apple Moth is eradicated and have concluded that the spray campaign is probably a necessary evil - we do believe these objectors have very real concerns and it is important their voices are heard," said Mr Baldock.

“This invader is a threat to all New Zealand and it is important to remember that the enemy here is the Painted Apple Moth. Right now West Aucklanders are being asked to bear the burden of the eradication attempts on behalf of us all and we stand with them in asking the Government to listen to their concerns.

“Given the increased spray area and the likely duration of this next aerial spray campaign, we think a great deal more needs to be done by the Government or MAF to address these concerns, with a lot less inconvenience and disruption to people's daily lives than has been the case in the past,” said Mr Baldock.

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