Dr Meriel Watts, Green Party candidate for Waitakere, today expressed deep concern about the Biosecurity Minister Jim Sutton's apparent disregard for the people of West Auckland.

"The Minister claims a 'proven safety record for the Btk spray' but a number of people in the Painted Apple Moth spray zone have become ill", said Dr Watts.

"The Ministry of Agriculture knows this - they have arranged to evacuate a number of families during each spray operation. But Minister Sutton either has not been told or he simply chooses not to believe it."

Meanwhile the people who are ill will be subjected to yet more spraying, during the election campaign, whilst the government makes up its mind what to do next.

"The Minister's failure to heed the concerns of the West Auckland community and to acknowledge the health issues may well jeopardise the success of any further such biosecurity operation in this area" said Dr Watts. "It is time he stood aside from his portfolio".

Dr Meriel Watts
Green Candidate for Waitakere
09-3788-244
021-1577567

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