31 March 2009 Media Statement

Chauvel: So much for the iPod generation

Energy Minister and Leader of the House Gerry Brownlee appears blissfully oblivious of Prime Minister John Key’s claim that members of his caucus belong to the "iPod generation," says Labour Energy spokesperson Charles Chauvel.

“John Key made the claim in his speech marking the 2007 adjournment of Parliament. Gerry can’t have been listening,” Charles Chauvel said.

“Last Saturday he and Climate Change Issues Minister Nick Smith issued a joint press statement in support of Earth Hour, and on the same day Gerry Brownlee’s own hand-picked political advisor, Christopher Bishop, posted messages on his Facebook page urging people to boycott Earth Hour.

“In Parliament today I asked Gerry which statement was right --- his with Nick Smith or his advisor’s statement on Facebook urging a boycott of Earth Hour. I am not sure what planet Gerry is on, but his reply was that he ‘didn't know about all this cyberspace stuff’. I tried to table the Facebook page to enlighten him, but was denied leave by his colleagues to do so.”

Charles Chauvel said “people should be free to post whatever comments they like in their private capacity on a social networking site, but it is not a good look for the Energy Minister’s political advisor to urge a boycott of an energy-saving initiative at the same time as his boss is issuing statements supporting the initiative. National is in government now. Ministerial staff need to understand their roles. And Gerry needs to learn about cyberspace!”

Facebook updates posted by the Political Advisor to Gerry Brownlee :

Christopher Bishop will turn his lights on at 8.30pm on March 28 (date/time unavailable)

Christopher Bishop thinks millions of people would dearly love to have lights to turn off (Mar 25, 12.21 am)

Christopher Bishop will be in a play at 8.30 tonight. Hopefully the lights don't go off (Sat, 2.30pm)

Christopher Bishop encourages you to leave your lights on tonight (Sat, 5.02pm)

2. Link to Brownlee and Smith statements in support of Earth Hour:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/2300095/Govt-switches-on-to-switching-off

ENDS