3 portfolios adds up to conflict of interest

Release 6/8/07

1 minister and 3 portfolios adds up to outright conflict of interest?

Is the government allowing a threefold conflict of interest in the already contentious pylon issue?

The recent dismissal of David Benson Pope has resulted in the Environment portfolio being assigned to David Parker who already holds the portfolios for the Energy and Land Information.

As the Minister of Energy, Parker effectively is managing the Electricity Commission which is the body charged with approving Transpower's 400kV line from Whakamaru to Otahuhu. As the Minister of the Environment he runs the RMA processes for Transpower's contentious 400kV line.

These quite different roles and responsibilities being held by one Minister, sets up a blatant conflict of interest suggests HALT (Home-owners Against Line Trespassers).

"For example, viewing this volatile issue from an environmentally sensitive perspective could have a direct conflict with an Energy perspective," says HALT Chairman Steve Hunt. With Minister Parker also holding the Land Information Portfolio, this situation is further exacerbated. Parker will be the Minister to approve the use of the Public Works Act to compulsorily acquire the land for the new 400KV line.

"From an environmental view, the Transpower proposal poses a threat to New Zealand, so how does a minister rationalise this ethically when also balancing energy and compulsory acquisition arguments?"

"This sets up an unacceptable conflict of interest around an issue that impacts all of New Zealand and could see a decision made, such as a call in, that is anything but independent. It's a sham. Shame on the government for letting this happen."

ENDS

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