Gordon Copeland Press Release
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, 16th April 2008

Copeland expresses reservations on deer, chamois, tahr and pigs report

Independent MP Gordon Copeland, who before leaving United Future was the principal architect of the Ministerial panel on deer, chamois, tahr and pigs, today expressed reservations about some of the panel’s recommendations.

“On the one hand I welcome the panel’s recommendations on the setting up of a Wild Animal Control Advisory Committee and establishing a steering committee to develop a proposal for a Big Game Hunting Council. These are worthwhile advances relative to the status quo and should be adopted immediately by Government,” said Mr Copeland.

“Simply stated, the necessary work has been done by the panel and I see no impediment to implementation.”

“However I think that the panel, probably acutely conscious that this is election year, have been timid in deciding to effectively shelve recommendations for legislative change until after this year’s elections. Somewhat cunningly however they have agreed that exploring legislative changes should be included in the agenda of the suggested steering committee.”

“In other words that central issue is postponed until it can be addressed by a new administration.”

Mr Copeland, who will be a candidate in this year’s elections for the newly formed Kiwi Party, said that his new party will continue to vigorously pursue enduring solutions which bring recreational hunters to the table on these issues long term. It will be a policy priority.

“Should the steering committee’s work confirm the necessity for legislative change, we will make it our business to ensure that it happens.”

ENDS

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