Minister helpless in breaking Mt Eden promise

The Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Settlements’ promise that there would be no change in public access to Mt Eden has proven worthless, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“Minister Finlayson’s statement last July was clear – ‘there will be no change in public access to the maunga’.

“Now it appears the Authority is only weeks away from implementing a ban on driving up the summit, a ban which would affect an enormous number of Aucklanders, tourism operators, and especially visitors with limited mobility.

“The Minister should at the very least have ensured there was public consultation around the decision to ban vehicles. Instead the Maunga Authority seems to be running roughshod over principles of transparency and consultation.

“The Minister’s answers in the House today showed an arrogant distain for people who use the mountain. He is as clever as he is out of touch.

“Local representatives and MPs may have to begin facilitating consultation over maunga access directly, which is why I’ve set up a website asking people for their views.”

Link: www.mtedensummit.nz

ENDS

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