Meat & Wool New Zealand chief hits back

Media Release
7 August 2009

Meat & Wool New Zealand chief hits back

Meat & Wool New Zealand Chairman Mike Petersen has hit back at the Murray Turner and Robin Hilson-led campaign against the levy vote.

He said the campaign has limited ownership, no farmer mandate and no proposition.

“As Chairman, but more importantly as a farmer and levy payer, I want farmers to see this for what it is – a misguided idea that would destroy virtually everything we have built up over the years – the capabilities, the relationships, the market presence and the goodwill we’ve built with organisations and government representatives in New Zealand and around the world,” Mr Petersen said.

“That would be an awful lot for a farmer to throw away with the stroke of a pen on a ballot paper,” Mr Petersen said. “It would rip the guts out of those vital capabilities we have as an industry.”

Mr Petersen said that the advert did not stack up financially and puts the whole concept of farmer participation in all aspects of their industry at risk.

“We have spent three months on the road getting farmers’ views across New Zealand as part of a process designed to bring cohesion and unity. The levy proposal farmers receive this week reflects absolutely what they have told us they want. It’s a proposal we believe in as directors, as farmers and as levy payers ourselves.”

Mr Petersen said he believed farmers would recognise that the campaign had no substance. But he acknowledged his concern that some farmers might be swayed by it and others might decide not to vote either way.

“This is a critical vote for our industry and one that farmers should take very seriously because the choice is stark,” Mr Petersen said. “We need a clear mandate from farmers one way or another so I urge farmers to exercise their vote.”

“We have given all farmers the opportunity to speak to us and tell us their views and I am confident that those views have been directly reflected in the proposal they have received. Along with the other directors, I am always willing to discuss the proposal further with any farmer that wants to contact me.”

ENDS

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