Today the Green Party is launching a nationwide public campaign for spray-free streets and parks.
The party wants the Environmental Protection Agency reassess the safety of glyphosate, which has been identified as a carcinogen, and is part of many weedkillers including Roundup.
"Our parks and neighbours should be safe places for children, free of harmful sprays that risk making people seriously ill," said Green MP Steffan Browning.
"Glyphosate is a compound common in many brands of weedkiller, most famously in Roundup. It's used by most councils in their efforts to control weeds in parks and around our streets.
"Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic" to humans, but it's still legal to use it on your garden or your lawn, and in public spaces like parks.
"Many cities, towns and regions overseas, including Paris, Chicago, Rotterdam and Barcelona, have committed to making their public spaces glyphosate-free.
"There is no good reason for local councils to be using glyphosate when safe alternatives for controlling weeds, such as hot water treatment, weed trimmers and mulching, exist.
"Let's get glyphosate out of our parks, playgrounds and other public spaces. Councils and the EPA need to assess the risk of glyphosate for themselves objectively, in the interests of New Zealanders' health and the health of our environment."
The public launch of the campaign will be taking place at Onepoto Domain, Northcote, Auckland, as an example of a spray-free park. Mr Browning will be joined by Auckland Councillor Wayne Walker, Kaipatiki Local Board member Danielle Grant, and Hana Blackmore of Weed Management Advisory. Speeches will commence at 11.30am.
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