National Party Leader and Clutha-Southland MP Bill English applauds moves in the South to patent the words "Bluff
Oyster."
As the 2002 oyster season gets underway this weekend (note: Sunday 24/3), Mr English says he could not think of a better
way of protecting this local icon.
Speaking from the US, where Mr English has been on a speaking engagement and promoting New Zealand, he said the idea
showed real initiative and "true Southern spirit."
"In my experience, when anyone thinks oysters, they think Bluff. So I'd say it's important to retain and protect that
association.
"The oyster industry is worth around $30 million to Southland each year - it's an important asset and it should be
reinforced and promoted.
"There's nothing quite like a Bluff oyster - it's a real delicacy and it truly belongs to the South. "The Bluff oyster
is unique - and it should stay that way," says Mr English.
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