Hon David Carter
National Party Agriculture Spokesman

26 July 2005

DOC intruding on deer farmers’ property rights

The Department of Conservation’s intrusion into farmers’ property rights has now extended to demanding the right to design fences on deer farms, says National’s Agriculture spokesman, David Carter.

Mr Carter is commenting on a DOC proposal that would change deer fencing regulations, with some suggestions it could cost farmers more than $100 million.

“This sort of regulation will drive many deer farmers out of an industry already struggling with poor returns,” says Mr Carter.

“Why would any farmer deliberately farm deer with unsatisfactory boundary fencing that allows deer to escape? It’s hard enough to make a buck already.

“This ridiculous proposal merely reinforces National’s agriculture policy regarding DOC. The department’s outcomes are confused and drifting away from its core responsibilities.

“A National Government will re-focus DOC back to its core task of protecting New Zealand’s unique flora, fauna and endangered species, instead of targeting responsible farmers who are already struggling with excessive taxation and bureaucracy,” says Mr Carter.

ENDS

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