Sandra Goudie National Party MP

2 March 2006

Minister must stand by Environment Court decision

Conservation Minister Chris Carter must stand by the October 2005 decision of the Environment Court to approve the Whangamata marina development, says National Party Coromandel MP Sandra Goudie.

"The marina application has been subjected to an exhaustive process and received Environment Court approval. That should be where the matter ends," says Ms Goudie.

"Instead, it seems issues previously considered by the Environment Court are being revisited.

"Mr Carter appears to believe that a half day of random lobbying is equal to more than ten years of judicial process. Where is the justice for the applicants and people of Whangamata?"

Ms Goudie says ignoring meaningful judicial process which has already taken place will only strengthen the resolve of locals.

"Environment Court process means listening to the views of all affected groups and then making a decision. Either the Labour Government has a different interpretation, or it has disregarded the Environment Court process as meaningless.

"Mr Carter will threaten the integrity of the Environment Court if he vetoes its decision," says Ms Goudie.

ENDS

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