Media Release: EDS welcomes reappointment of Dr Nick Smith to Cabinet

The Environmental Defence Society has welcomed the reappointment by Prime Minister John Key of Dr Nick Smith to cabinet.

“Dr Smith is one of the most knowledgeable National Party members when it comes to environmental and sustainability issues. His reappointment to Cabinet will ensure we have another voice for these issues when decisions are made,” said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.

“We understand why the Prime Minister has chosen to keep Amy Adams in the Environment portfolio. She is doing a good job so far.

“But giving Dr Smith Conservation and Housing makes sense. Both of these portfolios require a sound understanding of environmental sustainability.

“We look forward to working with Dr Smith in his Conservation portfolio and in particular making progress with much needed Oceans reform and restoring the Department of Conservation’s budget to a realistic level.

“With Housing, Dr Smith is likely to better understand the drivers for housing affordability than his predecessor. Closer alignment between the Auckland Council and Government will be helpful in meeting the challenges of growth in New Zealand’s largest city.

“We are also very pleased to see Nikki Kaye appointed to Cabinet. Nikki Kaye is an active member of the National Party’s Bluegreens,” Mr Taylor concluded.

ENDS

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"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>>