PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Property Rights

Stop Canterbury Land Theft Now!

"Environment Minister Nick Smith doesn't even pretend to be concerned for the property rights of Canterbury farmers. His primary goal is to make it easier for a private developer to steal their land," said Libertarianz spokesman Richard McGrath today.

Reacting to a news report that the National Government will review the Resource Management Act and 'look at how companies win the right to take private land', Dr McGrath said: "No-one - including the government - should have the right to take another person's justly acquired property, if the owner does not freely consent."

The Libertarianz Party has thrown its weight behind nearly 100 Canterbury farmers whose land is under threat by a proposed private irrigation scheme. "The owners of the land being sought by Central Plains Ltd should have the absolute right to decide whether or not their land is included in this project," said Dr McGrath.

"Nick Smith's utterances thus far are nothing short of disgraceful," he added. "The party he represents claims to be guided by core values such as individual freedom and choice, and personal security. Yet he seems happy for a private company to ride roughshod over these farmers and their families."

"Are your party's values a sham, Mr Smith? Will these landowners be given any choice about selling their farm land to Central Plains? Are they secure in the ownership of their property, or can it be stolen from them at the whim of politicians and developers?"

"If this compulsory transfer of land ownership is allowed to proceed," said Dr McGrath, "then what farm or home anywhere in New Zealand will be safe from seizure?"

"Where does ACT stand on this issue? Why has Rodney Hide remained silent in the face of this outrage, when farmers' property and livelihoods are under dire threat?"

"Libertarianz calls for the abolition of the Resource Management Act, the Public Works Act, the Income Tax Act, and all other laws that facilitate legalized theft," McGrath added. "We offer these Canterbury farmers our support and encouragement. The government is meant to uphold individual rights, not collude in their violation."

Dr McGrath had one final question for Nick Smith: "Shouldn't you be in the Green Party?"

ENDS

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