NZ councils should follow Christchurch and put public safety first

The Green Party is applauding Christchurch City Council’s decision to restrict the use of glyphosate-based weed killers in spaces open to the public, and is calling on other councils around New Zealand to follow suit.

Christchurch councillors voted yesterday to restrict the use of glyphosate – a probable carcinogen – in areas accessible to the public. The decision aligns with an ongoing campaign by the Green Party to limit the use of glyphosate in public streets and parks.

“We’re pleased that Christchurch Council is taking the hazard posed by glyphosate seriously, and we hope that eventually all of our communities will be spray-free,” said Green Party pesticides spokesperson Steffan Browning.

“Local authorities are becoming more aware of the hazard glyphosate weed killer poses to public safety since the World Health Organisation categorised the compound as ‘probably carcinogenic’ to humans last year.

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

“Christchurch joins a growing number of towns, cities and regions overseas, including Paris, Chicago, Rotterdam and Barcelona who have decided to ban the use of glyphosate-based weed killers in public spaces.

“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,” said Mr Browning.

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