Judith Collins MP
National Party Veterans Affairs Spokeswoman

15 June 2006

Anderton misleads over Nancy Wake

Progressive Leader Jim Anderton has misled the public by claiming that no National MP has ever sought an honour for war hero Nancy Wake, says National’s Veterans Affairs spokeswoman Judith Collins.

“Mr Anderton tonight in a statement said he had checked with the Honours Secretariat and been told that only one MP had recommended Miss Wake for an honour, and it wasn’t a National MP.

“He went on to question the sincerity of those MPs who have called for her to be honoured.

“I have repeatedly called for her to be given the recognition that she deserves for her bravery in occupied France during the Second World War.

“Contrary to Mr Anderton’s claim, I wrote to the Honours Secretariat on 16 February, 2006, seeking that she be honoured. I’ve also had a reply confirming that my letter was received.”

Code-named 'The White Mouse', Miss Wake was at one stage the Gestapo’s most wanted person, but she has never received an honour from New Zealand.

Jim Anderton said of Miss Wake: ‘Being famous, and born in New Zealand, are not of themselves sufficient reasons for her to be considered for an honour, however heroic her history.’

“But her outstanding courage, bravery and leadership in her work with the Resistance earned recognition in Britain, France, Australia and the US. She has also been given the RSA’s top award.” says Ms Collins.

“It’s only Labour and Jim Anderton that have continued to ignore this brave woman – in the Year of the Veteran.”

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