Bee-killing pesticides need to go

The Government needs to ban neonicotinoid pesticides in light of new research that proves they kill bees and other important pollinating insects, the Green Party said today.

“Banning neonicotinoids is one way the Government can take steps to ensure healthy bees thrive in New Zealand,” said Green Party pesticides spokesperson Steffan Browning.

“Healthy bees are critical to our food chain and we must do everything possible to protect them. They pollinate the plants that we and other animals eat. We can’t do without them.

“Harvard research shows higher concentrations of neonicotinoids present in New Zealand plants than in other countries. The research also confirmed neonicotinoids kill bees.

“The Green Party has been calling for neonicotinoids to be banned for years, and we can’t wait any longer. These pesticides stay in the soil and in plants for months or years after application so we need to stop their usage now.

“What does it say about New Zealanders if we allow bee populations to be the collateral damage of our agricultural and horticultural sectors?” said Mr Browning.

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