5 December 2000

Health Minister Annette King's attempt under the health legislation to re-zone reserve lands, such as the Town Belt, has been halted by National Party Amendments in Parliament today, National's Wellington MP Annabel Young said today.

"I have been working with Wyatt Creech to produce amendments that will keep the Town Belt safe. He has done a terrific job as National's Health spokesperson to remove the proposal to allow the Minister of Health to re-zone Reserve lands.

"Wellington's Town Belt was at risk from Ms King's proposed legislation because parts of Wellington Hospital are on Reserve lands. The National Health Team has cut her off.

"After the National Party's amendments to the legislation, decisions on the status of reserve lands will have to be made by the Minister of Conservation based on conservation values.

"This is a victory for conservation and the Friends of the Town Belt who have lobbied hard to protect the town belt," Ms Young said.

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