MPs join forces to support Human Rights Commission call for residential red zone delay

Labour, Green and New Zealand First MPs welcome the Chief Human Rights Commissioner’s letter to Gerry Brownlee, which seeks a delay to the 31 March deadline imposed on owners of bare sections and commercial or uninsured land in the residential red zone.

Labour’s Earthquake Recovery spokesperson Lianne Dalziel said: “David Rutherford confirmed to the Justice & Electoral Select Committee that he has written to the Minister outlining his concerns.

“He told the committee that the Government had an opportunity to re-think due to a mistaken impression that there had been a valuation of this land.

“We, of course would go further than that, as we don’t think it is right that people are forced into a corner, date-stamped the 31st March, Easter Sunday. No government should force a citizen into giving up their land for half the amount they have offered everyone else.

“However, whatever the reason, we support the call for a delay. There are cases before the court, the Human Rights Commissioner is involved and there are complaints with the Ombudsman and Auditor-General,” said Lianne Dalziel.

Lianne Dalziel, Denis O’Rourke & Mojo Mathers said they were pleased that the Human Rights Commission was working closely with the Office of the Auditor-General, the Ombudsman, the Serious Fraud Office and the Insurance & Savings Commissioner to ensure that there is a joined up approach to the kind of accountability needed in any post-disaster environment.
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