Skip to main content

Does the Minister agree with the statement of James Meager MP in a Facebook post from 9 August 2026, including that a news story about nitrate contamination in the Laghmor School drinking water supply was a "beat up" and "scaremongering by those with a clear agenda to denigrate farming in Mid Canterbury"?

Answered Question 36523 (2026)
Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • Does the Minister agree with the statement of James Meager MP in a Facebook post from 9 August 2026, including that a news story about nitrate contamination in the Laghmor School drinking water supply was a "beat up" and "scaremongering by those with a clear agenda to denigrate farming in Mid Canterbury"?

Answered by

Hon Nicola Grigg

Member for Selwyn · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

I agree that environmental issues should be discussed in a balanced and evidence-based way. Farmers have made significant investments and changes over many years to improve environmental outcomes, and they deserve to be part of the solution rather than being unfairly vilified. My focus as Minister is on reducing pollution, protecting drinking water, and ensuring environmental policy delivers practical results for both communities and the environment.