David Carter MP
National Party Agriculture Spokesman

15 November 2007

Land tenure land grab gathers pace

National Party Agriculture spokesman David Carter says the Labour Government needs to say how many properties in total it plans to take back under Crown control as part of its tenure review process.

Mr Carter notes that since a media statement issued by the former Minister on 21/06/2007, the number of properties being targeted under tenure review has morphed from ‘about 40’ to the 65 announced today.

“These leaseholders deserve some certainty. They should be given some idea of how much threat their leases are under.

“I’ve been speaking to many farmers occupying these high country leases who are desperate to know if they’ll be next, and whether they should start packing their bags.”

National has been critical of the land tenure review process, which has changed the rules on leaseholders, who were already prevented from developing iconic landscapes as a condition of their lease, and which has dramatically forced up rents.

“Labour is intent on driving high country farmers off their land.”

ENDS

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