Shane Ardern MP
National Party Biosecurity Spokesman

19 January 2007

Has Minister given up on Didymo?

Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton must assure the public that his department is doing all it can to stop the spread of Didymo into North Island rivers and lakes, says National's Biosecurity spokesman, Shane Ardern.

He is commenting after the discovery of Didymo in the Pelorus and Speargrass rivers in the northern South Island.

"This should be sending alarm bells around New Zealand.

"But more alarming are reports I am getting that the Minister is about to pull the plug on biosecurity checks on the Picton side of Cook Strait.

"If that is the case then we can kiss goodbye to keeping the North Island free of this pest.

"Mr Anderton must give an assurance that he will continue with checks at Picton.

"And, after the spread to the northern South Island, it is time he came up new strategies - the Check, Clean and Dry campaign is obviously not working.

"For example, what work has he done on banning items such as felt-sole wading boots?

"While our scientists are trying to find ways to eradicate Didymo in its early form, we must give priority to keeping as many waterways as possible clean, and give more help to regional councils so they have the resources to monitor rivers and lakes.

"It is time Mr Anderton started taking the lead on this issue."

ENDS

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