Green MP Nandor Tanczos has called on Minister of Corrections Matt Robson to abandon his plans to build a prison at Ngawha after the project was denied resource consent today.

"I'm amazed that a Minister with Matt Robson's historical commitment to fairness and alternatives to prisons seems determined to force this new prison on the people of Northland," said Mr Tanczos. "I call on the Minister to accept the decision, instead of appealing it as he has said he will do."

Mr Tanczos said the Green Party completely supported the decision of the Northland Regional Council today to turn down the prison, and particularly supported the council's recognition of the area's "immense cultural and spiritual significance to Ngapuhi".

"This decision vindicates the committed stance of the local hapu in the face of Departmental indifference, and I commend them for their courage and tenaciousness."

"The Department has consistently ignored and belittled the genuine concerns of local people, but this decision shows that there are significant cultural issues that the Department has ridden roughshod over."

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