Media statement Monday, April 26th, 2004

Hikoi Organisers, V8 Car Racers Should Face Same Law: EMA

With the risk of major traffic disruption tomorrow as the hikoi crosses the harbour bridge in Auckland, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) is calling for one standard of law to apply to protest marchers as to V8 car racing.

"If the organisers of the V8 car races in Auckland's streets have to apply for resource consents, it should be good enough for the organisers of the hikoi to do the same," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"Auckland faces the risk of traffic snarl ups and unpredictable delays every day. We shouldn't go looking for ways to increase the risk.

"Three years ago a paint spill on the bridge shut the city down. Allowing the hikoi to take over two lanes of the bridge could easily do the same.

"Denying normal bridge users access to the public utility without prior consent and consultation gives good faith a bad press.

"We are very concerned that two standards of law are being applied."

ENDS

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