Minister Adopts Unique Conservation Policy

“I have grave fears for the safety of our native forests both on private property and Crown land, because it now appears that the Labour Government have decided native trees should be chopped up for firewood”, Shane Ardern, National Conservation Spokesman said today.

“This is presumably, before the reckless landowners, that have maintained the trees for hundred of years, can use the wood for more trivial things such as everlasting furniture.

“I don’t think this is a conservation policy which will catch on overseas Chris” Shane Ardern said.

Shane Ardern warned landowners to be more vigilant against DOC staff who obviously can’t tell the “wood from the trees” and were apparently unaware that they were chopping up 450-600 year old rimu.

“Yet again we see double standards from this Government”, Mr Ardern said. “DOC made the serious mistake and the Government should pay compensation to Mr Lord on Stewart Island. If the situation was reversed Labour would be screaming for prosecution”.

Mr Ardern was commenting on the Conservation Department finally admitting that they had been responsible for chopping up rimu trees on Mr Lord’s property on Stewart Island and then using a helicopter to take them to huts to be used for firewood.

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