Anne Tolley
National Womens Affairs Spokesperson

13 July 2000

Professor Wilson will marry more people than Reverend Moon

National's campaign to inform New Zealanders about the pitfalls of the changes to Matrimonial Property legislation has been stepped up with the launch of a website and a planned nationwide tour, says National's Womens Affairs spokesperson Anne Tolley.

"Attorney General Margaret Wilson is planning to marry more people than Reverend Moon. But at least the Moonies made a conscious decision to get married.

"Many New Zealanders in de facto relationships are completely unaware of how the planned changes will affect them. They have made a conscious decision not to get married and should not have this commitment forced on them by the Government.

"The Government's proposal to give judges wide discretion in settling property disputes will be to the detriment of women. Professor Wilson's plan will force more women into the Family Court, which is already clogged under the current caseloads.

"Right now, 90% of breakdowns are resolved without going to Court. Only 10% make it before a judge. That's because the law gives certainty for all involved. The Government's plan will reverse those proportions forcing women into acrimonious and lengthy court proceedings. That will be bad for women and bad for their families.

"We have launched a website www.fairsplit.org.nz to inform people about the proposed changes and how they will affect them.

"National's women MPs will be hitting the road in the next few weeks with a series of public meetings to inform women's groups about the Government's proposals. We think women will be shocked by what is being proposed.

"Public hearings on the Matrimonial Property SOP No25 start next week. They are part of a much shortened consultation process the Government agreed to after considerable pressure from Opposition Parties," Mrs Tolley said.

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