18 February 2001 Media Statement

Release of security info goes too far

The Leader of the Opposition's release of information about security arrangements at the proposed kiwi bank goes too far, Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton says.

He wrote a personal letter to Mrs Shipley on Friday asking her not to release security information from the confidential NZ Post business case.

In that letter, Jim Anderton told Mrs Shipley that NZ Post is planning to upgrade its network to bank level security.

"You will understand, however, that the expectation that bank security is tough is almost as important a deterrent to robbery as the security measures themselves. If security is described publicly as 'poor', it may be a target for criminals who (wrongly) believe the description," he wrote.

Jim Anderton is astonished that Mrs Shipley has recklessly endangered bank staff.

"This is totally irresponsible behaviour for someone who has been a Prime Minister and aspires to lead her party into Government again," he said today after Mrs Shipley ignored the warning and released security information to a Sunday newspaper.

"The National Party will pay a high price at the next election for allowing someone as thoroughly irresponsible as Mrs Shipley to lead it.

"Mrs Shipley is trying to create a false impression that security will not be as tight as it is at existing banks. That tactic may almost invite criminal behaviour.

"NZ Post is well aware of the security issue and will make branches of the new bank as secure as other banks.

"At the moment many communities have to transport cash considerable distances because their banking services have all closed. In my view security can only improve if the kiwi bank opens and provides more branches."

ENDS

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