Peter Bethune should be congratulated for having the courage to act on behalf of defenceless Mammals.
His strength of character should be acknowledged, as he is quite simply the essence of a true human being. All Kiwis make a great deal of fuss over Whales and Dolphins and their importance to us both spiritually and financially, however when push comes to shove we turn a blind eye.
Our leaders are fully aware of the Hypocrisy that is scientific research in the southern Ocean / Ross Sea. This region is commercially harvested by many nations and licensing and royalties are paid to New Zealand and Australia in many technically disguised contractual arrangements.
I wonder if our indigenous people care about Whales enough to raise this issue, or are they content as long as it doesn't affect the Whales that migrate through the Kaikoura region. There are many who depend on these mammals for tourist revenue, however they seem content to allow others to take the risk of saving the natural resource that is their life blood.
The Government and the indigenous people of New Zealand should honour the commitments to the ban on whaling in the Southern Hemisphere, as there is no excuse for the current situation through technical loop holes.
Hypocrisy is the greatest threat to our environment.
Arch McTainsh, Tauranga.