22 January 2013 – Wellington

Forest & Bird media release for immediate use

Forest & Bird backs Nick Smith appointment

Forest & Bird hopes the appointment of Nick Smith as Minister of Conservation signals a renewed commitment to conservation by the Government.

“Nick Smith is one of the Government’s most experienced and knowledgeable MPs on conservation and environmental issues, and we look forward to working with him again,” says Forest & Bird General Manager Mike Britton.

“Nick Smith played a key role in establishing the Land and Water Forum, and Forest & Bird expects he will support the implementation of its recommendations.”

Mike Britton thanked outgoing Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson for her work, especially her support for a predator-free New Zealand.

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>>