Hon Judith Collins
Minister for ACC

9 November 2012 Media Statement
Interim chair appointed to Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council

ACC Minister Judith Collins has today announced Mr Paul Searancke has been appointed to the role of interim Chair of the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC).

Mr Searancke replaces Dr Gareth Morgan, Chair of the Council since its inception in January 2011, who has stepped down to focus on other commitments.

“I would like to thank Dr Morgan, who is a passionate advocate for motorcyclists’ safety. Dr Morgan was instrumental in establishing the Council’s objectives and processes for developing and recommending targeted projects to ACC,” says Ms Collins.

“Mr Searancke is an equally passionate advocate, who I’m sure will draw on his considerable experience and expertise to help guide appropriate projects to fruition,” Ms Collins says.

Ms Collins is also calling for nominations for the role of permanent Chair.
“To register your interest, please contact the MSAC Secretariat at info@motonz.org.nz,” Ms Collins says.

Biography – Mr Searancke

Mr Searancke is the former deputy Chair of the MSAC. His background roles and activities include:

• Commissioner responsible for non-competitive motorcycle activities within Motorcycling NZ
• Member of the Health and Safety Commission
• Driving force behind the development of an MNZ Coaching/Training programme for motorcyclists, in conjunction with Sport NZ, Sport Tasman and ACC
• Member of the NZ Transport Agency Industry Consultative Group reviewing motorcycle rider licensing and testing requirements.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

"Unlawful, Unjustified And Unreasonable": Report Into Urewera Raids Finds Police Acted Unlawfully

Independent Police Conduct Authority Chair Judge Sir David Carruthers said today that the decision by the then Commissioner of Police to undertake the operation in Ruatoki Valley and elsewhere on 15 October 2007 was reasonable and justified.

“However, the road blocks established by Police at Ruatoki and Taneatua were unlawful, unjustified and unreasonable... Police had no legal basis for stopping and searching vehicles or photographing drivers or passengers,” he said...

The report also showed that the detention of the occupants at five properties examined by the Authority was unlawful and unreasonable. More>>