Clayton Mitchell MP

Spokesperson for Conservation
21 SEPTEMBER 2016

Predator Free NZ Pledge Never Accurately Costed

The National government has no idea how much money will be required to achieve its promise of a predator-free New Zealand by 2050, says New Zealand First Conservation Spokesperson Clayton Mitchell.

“Minister of Conservation Maggie Barry acknowledged in Parliament today that funding provided will only provide for the setup of a crown-owned entity to manage the project.

“The National government expects philanthropists to provide $2 for every $1 provided by the government.

“There has been no analysis of whether this will be enough to rid New Zealand of all predators or be enough to invest in new technology that will be needed for this project to stand any chance of success.

“No thought has even been put into stopping and breeding and selling of rats which would at least be a place to start.

“We don’t believe this is a realistic proposition and is nothing short of a feel-good, green washing exercise.

“New Zealand First recognises that the preservation and enhancement of the environment is sound economics,” says Mr Mitchell.

“Unlike National we believe that we must set appropriate and realistic environment goals to achieve this.”

ENDS

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