Govt must act on Japan whaling accusations

The Government must take action immediately on accusations that Japanese whaling boats are slaughtering whales in New Zealand’s Antarctic waters, says Labour’s Conservation spokesperson Ruth Dyson.

The anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd says it has found five Japanese whaling ships operating in New Zealand waters in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

“If these accusations are true it is deeply concerning. The Government must verify them immediately. If the Japanese are whaling in our waters the Government must demand answers now,” says Ruth Dyson.

“New Zealanders have a deep fondness for whales. The news that a pod of stranded whales has died on our beaches today is upsetting. To know that other whales in our waters are being slaughtered against our wishes will anger many Kiwis,” says Ruth Dyson.

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