07 June 2001 PR 76/2001
Federated Farmers will Fight against Prison Establishment
Auckland Provincial President of Federated Farmers, Colin Bull today said that North Waikato members would continue to
oppose the construction of a prison in Hall Rd, Meremere. "We will fight this proposal every step of the way and will
make strong representations to the Waikato District Council during the designation process," said Mr Bull.
"The proposal does not comply with the Department of Corrections own standards and strategy, and I fully expect the
Council to recommend this site to be tossed out".
"The rural community is getting sick and tired of the high handed attitude of urban-based decision-makers. The urban
community continues to heap additional costs and demands on farmers and requires them to manage the rural environment to
satisfy city dwellers recreational demands. Then when they need to find a place for their prisoners and waste sites they
turn and dump them on the rural community," said Mr Bull.
"Farmers and the rural community are angry. If the nation were truly serious about addressing the increases in the
prison population it would be enhancing the employment opportunities offered by the exciting diversification activities
such as viticulture and rural tourism businesses already occurring in the proposed area."
"The presence of a prison threatens Meremere regional development. They should be sited in the community they draw from.
The Minister must think again," concluded Mr Bull.
ENDS
For further information: Colin Bull (Provincial President) (09) 292 8758
Richard Gardner (Policy Analyst) (09) 379 0057