The Kiwi Party, which became a registered political party on the 15th of February this year, is solidly behind the outdoor recreation sector and, in particular, Deerstalkers. For that reason, outdoor recreation issues will feature amongst our top ten policies as we contest this year's General Elections.
Firstly why a Kiwi Party! Well a few of us with Parliamentary background, notably myself Gordon Copeland, currently an Independent MP, and ex-United Future MPs Larry Baldock, now leader of The Kiwi Party, and Bernie Ogilvy saw an urgent need for a Party to represent the vast majority of kiwis and the need for a rational society. We believe New Zealand lacks a Party which is fully committed to that ideal, including good kiwi values.
A strong part of the kiwi culture is the outdoors. It has been estimated over 1,000,000 New Zealanders go hunting, fishing (salt water and fresh water), tramping etc in the outdoors each year, so here are a few policy areas which will , I know, be near and dear to your hearts.
The Kiwi Party wants a total ban on 1080 poisoning beginning with aerial drops. The 1080 industry is, we believe, out of control. Since the weak kneed ERMA review of 1080, which concluded that this deadly poison was a "necessary evil", DOC and the Animal Health Board have taken it as a license to spread 1080 over vast areas, including I am advised some 80,000 hectares on the West Coast from Karamea right down to South Westland and areas of around 20,000 hectares on public lands in Nelson, Marlborough, the Coromandel, and other areas of the North and South islands. We agree with ERMA that this is "evil" but we strongly disagree that it is "necessary"!
These 1080 drops are dangerous to wildlife, deer included. It is a waste of valuable tax payers money. It prevents a national possum felt and fur industry being organised to take advantage of the enormous international demand for these products.
The Kiwi Party wants deer, chamois, and tahr recognised as managed wildlife. We want to ditch the so-called "pest" status and syndrome. I was instrumental in setting up the Government Wild Animal Panel to look at that status. It was, predictably under a Labour-led Government, a stacked deck by those appointed. Notwithstanding, some good did come out of it but it remains short of the goal that we hoped it might achieve. The Kiwi Party, this time working with National, wants to see actual delivery.
There are other policy areas that will interest you too such as stronger controls on foreigners wanting to buy our land, especially the high country, and recognising in law and management regulations, the right of kiwis to catch and gather sea fish/food. At election time, so that your voice becomes our democracy, tick "Kiwi" for your party vote and, if you are in the Tauranga electorate, help to get Larry Baldock elected to Parliament.
With all good wishes for your conference,
Gordon Copeland MP
on behalf of The Kiwi Party
© 2011 New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association