Media Release
15 August 2003

Government Short-Changes NZ Kids

New Zealand First has called for the Government to stop hiding behind the skirts and vacuous protestations of public servants and take responsibility for ensuring that New Zealand retains its only specialist intensive care air ambulance service for children.

“It is all very well for officials to announce that alternative arrangements have been made but there are no real alternatives to the specialised services provided,” said family affairs spokesperson Barbara Stewart.

“While a public servant defends his department’s focus on pokey machine income the Minister of ACC has wrung her hands and wailed that the decision was made outside of Government.

“700 desperately ill children were saved by this service last year, yet the Government does not consider it as vital. As recently as 4 August Minister Dyson said that the Government would take action and “there is no need to panic”.

“It is time to panic now Minister, without this service children will die!” said Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

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