Media Release

1 May 2008

Zaoui’s Mates In Spy Base Fiasco

New Zealand First says the raid on Waihopai spy base by a Dominican friar who sheltered Algerian fugitive Ahmed Zaoui should send shivers up the spine of every security conscious New Zealander.

Law and order spokesperson Ron Mark says there appears to be a “fifth column” of New Zealand activists who should take a long hard look at themselves and where their strange set of values fit into the society they live in.

“New Zealand First opposed the continued presence of Ahmed Zaoui in New Zealand from the outset. The Algerian should never have been put in the care and shelter of the friar, Peter Murnane, and no doubt some judges now have red faces over this.

“The Waihopai spy base is there for the security of New Zealanders. We live in an imperfect world and have to look after our citizens and our interests the best way we can.

“We wonder if the people who stupidly broke into the base, causing a lot of expensive damage, maintain their links with Mr Zaoui and his ilk. Will the courts give them more terrorist suspects to look after?

“It would be interesting to see if the justice system makes them pay for the million dollars worth of damage they caused. Taxpayers should not have to fork out for the actions of these idiots,” said Mr Mark.

ENDS

© Scoop Media