Monday 21st May 2001

ACT Deputy Leader Ken Shirley says the Government is now backtracking on a firm undertaking to push special legislation through Parliament this week which would clarify the situation regarding the Whitianga Waterways development.

“It is clear that Cabinet is feuding over the issue – and in particular Sandra Lee is at loggerheads with her boss Jim Anderton.

“A firm commitment was given to the Whitianga community last week, but now the backsliding has begun, with talk of the legislation being only introduced this week and then referred to a Select Committee. This is not necessary. The opposition parties believe that the Minister Sandra Lee was under no obligation to recommence hearings in any event, but if the Government does want to pass special clarifying legislation the opposition has pledged to support it to expedite its enactment.

“The Government is now stalling because of internal squabbling on the issue. This will be a bitter blow to the Whitianga community and the project developers who have been subjected to five years of protracted hearings over the project.

“ACT was the only party to oppose the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act – which is now stymieing this development. It is clear that this proposal will be the first of many to face unnecessary obstruction from this piece of legislation,” Ken Shirley said.

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