TERRITORIAL FORCE SWAPS TRENCHING TOOLS FOR SHOVELS

Territorial soldiers from across the North Island have arrived in Christchurch today to contribute their muscle to the clean up process already underway in the suburbs.

The 80 soldiers from the four North Island Territorial units will swap their trenching tools for larger shovels and wheelbarrows as they work with residents to clear sediment from streets and properties.

They will be adding to the 164 South Island Territorial soldiers already at Burnham who have changed their civilian clothes for a uniform and are assisting with the CBD cordon and security.

“There has already been a lot of great work done by various groups and we are looking forward to being able to lend a hand in anyway we can,” says Major Lance Nicholas, Territorial Force Liaison Officer.

ENDS

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"Unlawful, Unjustified And Unreasonable": Report Into Urewera Raids Finds Police Acted Unlawfully

Independent Police Conduct Authority Chair Judge Sir David Carruthers said today that the decision by the then Commissioner of Police to undertake the operation in Ruatoki Valley and elsewhere on 15 October 2007 was reasonable and justified.

“However, the road blocks established by Police at Ruatoki and Taneatua were unlawful, unjustified and unreasonable... Police had no legal basis for stopping and searching vehicles or photographing drivers or passengers,” he said...

The report also showed that the detention of the occupants at five properties examined by the Authority was unlawful and unreasonable. More>>