CARP FARM MEETING…………WHAT A POO FIGHT THAT WAS

HAHA……Best entertainment I have had in years. The applicant – a scientist – gave a presentation then then it was all on!  The scientist was one of those blokes who just wanted to argue so he didn’t come across well.

Before the meeting I went up to introduce myself to Mr Clark the applicant and he looked at me like “piss off noddy”.  He may be good at fish farming but he is not a good presenter so that didn’t help.

OK Q time started with me asking about the petition etc. Mr Clark dismissed the petition by asking how many people had seen the petition and not signed it?  Then it went from bad to worse.

Harvey Karaitiana from Waitahanui gave them the message in a nice but firm way that the hapu for that area where the proposed farm is to be hadn’t even been consulted!  Other Maori also let them know nicely but strongly that they hadn’t been consulted.

Then a bloke from Waikato University that Kathy White had organised, Prof Brennan Hicks spoke and cast scientific doubt on the applicants claims.

Another lady spoke who had done some research on the Clarke family business and questioned the stability of the applying company given it was formed not long ago.

Then another fella said the value of the fishery was $90 million so since it was a limited liability company how about putting up a $20 million bond to fix up any escapees and the applicant, arrogantly leaning back in his chair refused and it all went to custard from there.

A motion was put which I will have to get the correct wording on to the Ministers of DOC and MP.  Basically saying we don’t want it.

Then Graham Hamilton spoke to the motion and sunk the applicant even further which was followed by two great short speeches by TDC Councillors Rosanne Jollands and Zane Cozens Then they took the vote and didn’t even bother counting the hands!

Fantastic night, great result but I wouldn’t trust the applicant as far as I could kick him.

So it’s still all on!