Wednesday, 8 March 2006

Copeland condemns Whangamata marina decision

United Future MP and environment spokesperson Gordon Copeland says the decision by Conservation Minister Chris Carter to overturn the Environment Court finding in support of the building of a marina at Whangamata is outrageous and an abuse of power.

"In a situation like this, the wishes of the community, and not a single Minister, should prevail.

"This application has been through the entire 10 year process seeking approval and clearly has the support of the majority of the local community.

"For the Minister to have the power to overturn the decision unilaterally is unacceptable and shows the law is seriously flawed.

"United Future will support any efforts to have the law changed so that the democratically-expressed wishes of the community are given effect to," said Mr Copeland.

ENDS

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