07 June 2001 PR 76/2001

Federated Farmers will Fight against Prison Establishment

Auckland Provincial President of Federated Farmers, Colin Bull today said that North Waikato members would continue to oppose the construction of a prison in Hall Rd, Meremere. "We will fight this proposal every step of the way and will make strong representations to the Waikato District Council during the designation process," said Mr Bull.

"The proposal does not comply with the Department of Corrections own standards and strategy, and I fully expect the Council to recommend this site to be tossed out".

"The rural community is getting sick and tired of the high handed attitude of urban-based decision-makers. The urban community continues to heap additional costs and demands on farmers and requires them to manage the rural environment to satisfy city dwellers recreational demands. Then when they need to find a place for their prisoners and waste sites they turn and dump them on the rural community," said Mr Bull.

"Farmers and the rural community are angry. If the nation were truly serious about addressing the increases in the prison population it would be enhancing the employment opportunities offered by the exciting diversification activities such as viticulture and rural tourism businesses already occurring in the proposed area."

"The presence of a prison threatens Meremere regional development. They should be sited in the community they draw from. The Minister must think again," concluded Mr Bull.

ENDS

For further information: Colin Bull (Provincial President) (09) 292 8758 Richard Gardner (Policy Analyst) (09) 379 0057

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