19 April, 2000
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon Phil Goff, today welcomed the defeat of five proposals seeking to reduce
the existing level of protection of whales at the meeting in Nairobi, Kenya of member countries of the Convention for
International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).
"The proposals were voted down by solid majorities, which I believe is evidence that world opinion continues to oppose a
return to whaling", Phil Goff said.
"The international community has decisively rejected any movement that would allow for a possible resumption of
international trade in whale products.
"It is particularly heartening that the proposals were defeated despite the concerted efforts of the pro-whaling lobby.
"Clearly in taking this decision the international community has acknowledged that commercial whaling is not
sustainable. Whale numbers remain severely depleted after more than two centuries of exploitation. Whales are slow to
breed and even more numerous species could be threatened by the renewal of commercial whaling.
"New Zealanders share with other nations a strong resistance to any return to the slaughter of species which are
characterised by their intelligence and strong social structure.
"The decisions taken in Nairobi are also helpful because they acknowledge the authority of the International Whaling
Commission as the global agency with responsibility for management of populations of great whales.
"New Zealand will now be working closely with Australia in the lead up to the next meeting of the International Whaling
Commission in Adelaide in early July to promote the establishment of a South Pacific Whale Sanctuary. This is required
to allow for the recovery of whale populations in the region."
ENDS