Mon, 4 Oct 2004

Swimming Pool Fences: Common Sense

Press Release from POAG (Pool Owners Action Group) Spokesman: Gary Osborne

Three cheers for the common sense of Justice Randerson. In his landmark decision on 1 October, keenly anticipated by thousands of pool owners throughout New Zealand, he has made it quite clear that bureaucrats can't interpret the law with an emporor's clothes mentality for the perceived social good.

They must not use their might simply to bully ratepayers into submission by marching them off to the Courts on minor criminal charges without due consideration and an understanding of the statutes they are endeavouring to enforce.

The decision vindicates the stance of the 25 Waitakere City poolowners, who under duress, working through lawyers John Steadman and David Carden, fought the overwhelming might of the Waitakere City Council with the vast resources of its own ratepayers' money.

It is pleasing to see that Judge Randerson has recommended costs be paid by Waitakere City Council to te defendants. On 2 October, Denis Sheard WCC Legal Services Manager, said it will take time to understand the judgement clearly. We hope the Council will act with the same haste in withdrawing charges as it did in laying them!

ENDS

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