Dear Auckland Council,

This is an open letter signed by businesses based or operating in Auckland who are urging you to remove the use of glyphosate from your Weed Management Plan for Auckland City.

Glyphosate has been shown by numerous studies, and ruled by multiple global organisations, to pose a serious risk to human health and the health of our natural ecosystems. In light of this multiple jurisdictions around the world have banned its use and there have been thousands of lawsuits undertaken against the manufacturer of glyphosate.

We understand there are counter arguments to these claims, but believe Auckland Council should be applying the Precautionary Principle in light of the significant concerns.

There are alternative methods available to Auckland Council, and currently being used, to manage the city’s weeds that do not involve the use of any synthetic chemicals, specifically thermal and manual weed control.

We want our communities to be safe for growing food, for children (and adults) to play in, and for native flora and fauna to thrive. We don’t believe the ‘World’s Most Liveable City’ will be one that sprays it’s streets with synthetic chemicals.

We are businesses who have achieved prosperity without the use of synthetic chemicals in our products or services, and actively promote the evolution to a circular, regenerative, and inclusive economy. We want to see the same leadership from those who govern New Zealand’s biggest city.

Please remove the use of glyphosate from your weed management plan.

Our gracious thanks,

See signatories below.

This article is included in Twinkl’s Eco-Friendly and Sustainability campaign, and is part of their article Some great ideas to be more sustainable in 2021