Thursday, 15 June 2006

Dunne to Barker: you're in a hole, Rick, stop digging!

United Future leader and Ohariu-Belmont MP, Peter Dunne, says Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker is inflaming Wellington voter anger with his obstinate refusal to take another look at the government's refusal to offer community project funding to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary.

"My advice to the Minister is to recognise he's in a hole and he should stop digging.

"When his own Prime Minister says the Sanctuary is eminently qualified for this funding, why does Mr Barker persist in defending some obscure minor bureaucrat in his Department who thinks otherwise?

"The Karori Sanctuary is a national tourist destination; a superb addition to New Zealand's conservation efforts; is well-run by business-qualified people; and there is still money left in the Community Projects fund.

"Mr Barker should cease his pointless shovelling activities; recognise his department has made a mistake and rectify it as soon as possible," said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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