Damien
O’CONNOR
Food Safety Spokesperson
7 February 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT
Key must give Kiwis the right to reject OZ food
John Key has proved himself incapable of solving Australian supermarkets’ lock-out of New Zealand produce so now must
allow Kiwis the choice to do the same, said Damien O’Connor, Labour’s spokesperson for Food Safety.
“Australian supermarkets have used Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) to effectively boycott New Zealand produce.
“It is now time to introduce CoOl in New Zealand so Kiwis can know if they are buying Australian produce and return the
sentiment.
“John Key’s failure to get any movement for New Zealand producers and manufacturers in a market where 80 per cent is
controlled by Coles and Woolworths is a disaster for New Zealand exporters.
“John Key’s timid approach to this issue has meant that once again Kiwis are losing out under CER.
“He has failed to help ex-pat Kiwis living in Australia and now he’s failed to help Kiwis living here. His deferential
approach has failed,” said Damien O’Connor.
ENDS