30 July 2013

UnitedFuture Opposes Fiordland Monorail

UnitedFuture will oppose any plans to build the Fiordland Monorail and will seek to repeal any consents given by the Department of Conservation prior to the election.

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne and outdoors spokesman Alan Simmons say that the unique unspoiled remoteness of Fiordland is its great attraction.

“Building of a monorail through the centre will destroy that amazing landscape.

“UnitedFuture wants to preserve the New Zealand values of a unique environment and unique people.

“A monorail full of tourists taking photos does not equate to the New Zealand way,” they say.

Mr Dunne and Mr Simmons say that the back country experience is one of New Zealand's greatest assets.

“Destroying that in a world heritage area is something we do not want to pass on to the next generation.

Ends

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New Court Orders, Screening, Guardianship Changes...: Government Ignoring Poverty, Again

It remains to be seen if announcements today will better protect children, but the National Government is forgoing an opportunity to really help kids by ignoring the elephant in the room, which is poverty, Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei says.

"All the experts have told the Government that very low income is associated with higher rates of child maltreatment and neglect -- something which was totally ignored in the Government's Children's Action Plan and the announcements today," Mrs Turei said. More>>