Ecoterrorist Threats Unacceptable

The threats by Ecoterrorists ' The Biodiversity Action Group ' to release pests into New Zealand ' s wildlife sanctuaries is totally unacceptable says Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc.) President Tom Lambie.

" This kind of behaviour is appalling and the devastation that would occurs when pests are released into an previously secure area is immense. So many people have worked to ensure that native species are protected in these sanctuaries, and now the behaviour of a few is threatening the enjoyment of thousands.

" Much of New Zealand ' s biodiversity you find within privately owned land. Farmers empathise with the Department of Conservation, as they know what it is like to cope with pests, be it animal or plant. Farmers have had to struggle to eliminate pests from their land for years and it seems difficult to believe that anyone could reintroduce pests into areas where so much work has been done to eradicate them.

" By threatening to release these pests the Biodiversity Action Group threatens the livelihood of a large number of New Zealanders. Much of New Zealand ' s income comes from agriculture and tourism and the actions of these people threatened or otherwise, jeopardises this.

" If those making the threats are concerned about the draft Fjordland Management Plan, we suggest that they express their concerns in an appropriate manner by presenting a submission, instead of making poorly thought through threats. " Mr. Lambie concluded.

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