Last Chance For Rural New Zealand?

Tuesday 15 Jul 2003 Gerry Eckhoff Press Releases -- Rural

ACT New Zealand Rural Affairs Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff today offered New Zealanders what could be their last chance to speak out, by launching his petition to oppose the Labour Government's Flatulence Tax, at the Federated Farmers' National Conference.

"This could well be New Zealand's last opportunity to voice its opposition to such a ludicrous tax," Mr Eckhoff said.

"Once again, this Government is punishing rural New Zealand. This tax is discriminatory, in that it targets methane emissions from livestock - whereas methane and dioxins are constantly emitted from landfills created by waste from the cities.

"The farmers have already clearly said `enough'. This tax is just another compliance cost weighing down New Zealand's most productive sector.

"Labour has neither consulted - nor listened to - the farming community. Rural New Zealand has been backed by the urban community, which recognises the ridiculous nature of this tax.

"I urge New Zealanders to sign this petition and send a strong message to the Labour Government, that we cannot afford to continuously impose totally unwarranted cost structures," Mr Eckhoff said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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