A Nitrate Slime Monster is attending the mayoral debate held in Christchurch tonight highlighting the role synthetic nitrate fertiliser has on environmental degradation in Canterbury.

The Nitrate Slime Monster is from Cut SNF Canterbury, which is a group concerned about the harms of intensive dairy farming on Canterbury waterways.

Spokesperson Krysta Neve said “too much chemical fertiliser supports too many cows, which is polluting the rivers, lakes and drinking water.” 

Neve said synthetic fertiliser use must be cut, as it is driving the degradation of rivers, threatening the survival of native fish species, and threatening human health.

“We urge people to vote for candidates who will protect our waterways. There are candidates in almost all wards who have committed to supporting a rapid phase-out of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser if they gain a seat on ECan.

“There are also candidates for ECan who are representing fertiliser company interests, and voters need to be aware of this conflict of interest,” said Neve.

“Everybody should be able to trust that the water from their kitchen tap is safe to drink. Bur for many of us – particularly in rural areas – that’s not the case. Synthetic nitrate fertiliser use is the underlying cause of the health risks for drinking water for residents in Waimate and Pareora for example.”