Green Party calls on authorities to follow Christchurch and put public safety first

The Green Party is calling on local authorities around the country to follow Christchurch City Council’s lead today and review the amount of glyphosate – a probable carcinogen – it uses to control weeds.

Christchurch City Council voted to restrict the use of glyphosate to control weeds in areas not accessible to the public, and to use fatty acid weedkillers and manual techniques in public spaces like parks and residential areas.

“Local authorities are becoming more aware of the hazard glyphosate weedkiller poses to public safety since the World Health Organisation categorised the compound as probably carcinogenic to humans last year,” said Green Party pesticides spokesperson Steffan Browning.

“Glyphosate, which is most commonly found in Round Up weedkiller, could be a hazard to contractors who apply it in public spaces as well as the public.

The Christchurch public will have a chance to have their say on the use of glyphosate as part of the Annual Plan process.

“We’re pleased that local authorities are taking the hazard posed by glyphosate seriously, to protect the health of our communities. Our kids should have safe places to play and enjoy.

“We want councils around the country to follow Christchurch’s lead and review their use of glyphosate.

“The Green Party urges the Environmental Protection Authority to objectively reassess the use of glyphosate-based herbicides and determine the risk posed by this hazard so that we can protect our council workers, kids and the public,” Mr Browning said.

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