Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Whangamata: Minister’s excuses don’t wash
Hon Nick Smith
National Party Environment Spokesman
19 September 2006
Whangamata: Minister’s excuses don’t wash
Conservation Minister Chris Carter’s excuses
for breaking the law in the Whangamata Marina case do not
wash and are not grounds for appeal, says National’s
Environment spokesman, Nick Smith.
“Mr Carter’s excuses smack of desperation.
“This was not a particularly controversial or difficult consent. Over the past 15 years, previous ministers have considered more than 200 consents of this type covering huge port developments, sewage outfalls and large marinas, all without breaking the law.
“The Whangamata Marina Society has already waited 13 years and spent $1.5 million trying to get this consent. For the Minister to now appeal the High Court decision would just add insult to injury.
“Mr Carter cannot now untaint his tainted process.
“He should drop any notion of an appeal, apologise to the Whangamata Marina Society for breaking the law and costing them so much time and money, and pass the decision on the marina onto his associate or another minister,” says Dr Smith.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On Iran Killing Its Rappers, And Searching For The Invisible Dr. Reti
Labour Party: National Should Heed Tribunal Warning And Scrap Coalition Commitment With ACT
Government: Saves Access To Medicines
Office of the Speaker: Law And Order, Finance, And Defence A Focus For Ukrainian Parliamentary Delegation To NZ
Environmental Defence Society: Fast-track Approvals Bill Presents A Serious Risk To New Zealand Exporters
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
