31 January 2001

The allocation of the shadow Transport portfolio to Auckland MP Belinda Vernon reflects National's seriousness in wanting to see Auckland's transport woes addressed.

"Traffic congestion is 'the' Auckland issue. If Auckland is moving the rest of the country is better off. Daily gridlock only puts the brakes on our future. Effective transport networks impact on both our social and commercial quality of life. We have to do better," Belinda Vernon said today.

"I intend to hold the Government to account. It has so far failed to deliver any action despite all its pre-election rhetoric. At the same time I will ensure that National develops clear transport policies that will complement the work being done by others to rid the city of the snarl-ups which waste Aucklanders' time.

"There is no single solution. Completing the motorway network and improving public transport are key priorities. I look forward to working with key protagonists in Auckland to ensure National develops a clear and comprehensive transport policy."

In addition to the Transport portfolio she is now also Opposition spokesperson on Arts, Culture and Heritage.

"Arts, Culture and Heritage make us who we are. I look forward to building relationships with the many people involved in the sector. No government can prescribe culture, but it can encourage, nurture and protect the things that are important to us as New Zealanders.

"I don't intend to make policy on the hoof. In both portfolio areas I want to meet the key players, understand the issues and lead policy development that hits the right note with Aucklanders and New Zealanders alike," Ms Vernon said.

Ends

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>