NZ whale resolution a victory says Carter

4.30pm

New Zealand achieved a significant victory at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) conference when it pushed through a resolution on humane methods of killing whales, Conservation Minister Chris Carter said today.

The conference in Italy passed New Zealand's resolution 29-22, and the IWC must now develop more efficient ways to kill whales so they do not take so long to die.

"Although New Zealand is strongly opposed to whaling, we cannot ignore the reality that is still going on," Mr Carter said in a statement issued by his office in Parliament.

"The killing methods used by whalers are very brutal, and can cause a great deal of suffering for whales. We believe these killing methods should at the very least be humane."

The resolution was passed on a simple majority just before another one, proposed by New Zealand and Australia, failed to get the 75 per cent majority needed to establish a South Pacific Whale Sanctuary.

The sanctuary proposal was supported by 26 nations with 21 against and four abstentions.

"While I am disappointed at this outcome, it was actually better than expected given the number of new pro-whaling nations in attendance at this year's IWC meeting," Mr Carter said.

"The South Pacific Whale Sanctuary has strong regional support -- many Pacific states have already declared whale sanctuaries in their exclusive economic zones."

Mr Carter, who headed the New Zealand delegation, said he was disappointed two Pacific states voted against the proposal -- Palau and Tuvalu.

"I am particularly disappointed that Tuvalu, which only joined the IWC a few weeks ago, voted against it. In the past it has publicly stated its support for the sanctuary," he said.

- NZPA