National News> Media Releases

24 January 2007

PROSECUTIONS FOR STREAM DAMAGE WELCOME

Fish & Game supports Environment Waikato’s move to prosecute farmers who are breaching consent conditions and polluting waterways.

“No doubt these individuals will feel hard done by,” said Bryce Johnson, Director Fish & Game New Zealand, “but environmental management is a core output for modern farming. The regional plans are clear, and consents to discharge effluent are simple and unambiguous. ”

“The dairy industry overall is moving to a real commitment to sustainable farming practices. The minority who continue to ignore their responsibilities are compromising New Zealand’s marketing edge, are letting down their more responsible farming colleagues, and are contemptuous of the next generations’ rights to a healthy environment.”

“Environment Waikato is congratulated for its commitment to sustaining and protecting Waikato’s precious streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. These finite resources belong to us all.”

For more information:

Bryce Johnson

Director Fish & Game New Zealand

021 397 897