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The Green Party has called on Japanese companies operating in New Zealand to state their position on whaling.
MP Metiria Turei said today her party did not support a boycott of Japanese companies but pressure from them might have more success than "failed lobbying or muted diplomatic protests" against whaling.
"Consumer and media pressure in recent years has resulted in several companies severing ties with the Japanese whaling fleet, including Nissui, Gortons and New Zealand company Sealord," she said.
"The Japanese intransigence on this issue is harming the entire country's reputation internationally, and will result in a consumer backlash that could affect innocent parties."
Ms Turei said she was saddened and angered by reports that Japan was planning to commission a replacement mother ship for its whaling fleet.
"The commissioning of a new ship could commit Japan to at least 40 more years of whaling," she said.
"Diplomatic protests and direct action are having very little effect on the Japanese position to continue slaughtering whales."
- NZPA
