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Our ‘clean green’ image to take another hit?

Maryan Street
Environment Spokesperson

20 August 2013

Our ‘clean green’ image to take another hit?

Charges of dumping oil at sea against one of New Zealand’s largest fishing companies, Sanford, is another potential body blow to our ‘clean, green’ image, says Labour’s Environment spokesperson Maryan Street.

“Maritime New Zealand is bringing three charges of alleged illegal discharge of a harmful substance, in this case, oil, into the waters of New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone,” she says.

“These are serious charges carrying penalties of two years’ imprisonment and maximum fines of up to $200,000 each. Pollution of our EEZ waters, or any waters for that matter, should be roundly punished.

“Sanford – whose major shareholders include National Party president Peter Goodfellow -- has previously faced similar charges for allegedly discharging bilge water into the waters of American Samoa. The ship involved was a New Zealand-flagged vessel but was staffed by foreign crew.

“New Zealand companies need to uphold our reputation here and abroad. This alleged behaviour would result in harm to our marine environment and our reputation,” Maryan Street says.

“It is time New Zealand ships had New Zealand crew who may better understand these issues.

“These charges are being brought because the crew jumped ship and agreed to testify against their superiors. They said they had been intimidated and threatened by their bosses.

“This is not what New Zealand companies and fisheries stand for,” Maryan Street says.

ENDS

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