FARMERS MAY TAKE UP ARMS TO ENSURE SAFETY

ROTORUA -- Farmers in the Bay of Plenty say they may have to arm
themselves unless the law enforcement and justice system becomes
tougher on people caught trespassing, stealing livestock, and growing
cannabis.

The frightened farmers - who have declined to be named - live near Te
Puke and have invited police and politicians to a public meeting
tonight to discuss trespassers growing marijuana on their land.

The move follows a gathering last week of 30 concerned neighbours on
Maniatutu Road, Paengaroa, where a 36-year-old man was shot dead recently.

Residents do not want to be named for fear of retaliation, but one
said that every farmer on Maniatutu Road had found cannabis growing on
his property at some stage.

"And it's a long road, with at least 10 properties in a couple of
kilometres."

Trespassing and cannabis growing were increasing, the resident said,
and something had to be done if rural families were to feel safe on
their own land.

Farmers in the area said the fatal shooting highlighted the
seriousness of the issue.

A group of about 50 farmers from the area are expected to attend
today's meeting to lobby community leaders, MPs, and police for better
security and more powers to look after their own property.

A spokeswoman for the group, who did not want to be named, said
trespassing and cannabis growing were increasing and farmers urgently
needed clarification of their rights as land owners.

She said the majority of farmers living in the area had found
marijuana on their properties and police were already threatening to
sell off land belonging to one farmer.

"He is having to prove his innocence, but how can he tell police
trespassers are growing it? As landowners it has become a matter of
urgency that we find out our rights."

A major problem was that police help was more than 30 minutes
away.

"We have been told that police are too under-staffed to follow up
every report.

"If you live in town it is your right to be protected and there
shouldn't be two different laws. Rural families should have the same
rights to safety."

Often the only option left was to use a gun, the resident
said.

"If you are told to get away and they pull out a knife the only thing
we can do is get a gun. It's the only thing that may stop them."

Many farmers feared that they might one day be charged with
murder.

"We can all see ourselves in that situation. We know what it's like to
find someone on the farm and to feel unsafe."

Among those expected at today's meeting in the Paengaroa Hall are the
Western Bay of Plenty area police controller, Inspector Ron Cooper,
and Sergeant Kevin Taylor, of Te Puke.

The local National MP and justice spokesman, Tony Ryall, the New
Zealand First deputy leader, Peter Brown, and other community leaders
are also expected.