Carter hides humiliation under cover of AG’s report

National Party Environment spokesman Nick Smith is accusing Chris Carter of trying to dodge public embarrassment at being sidelined over the final decision on the Whangamata Marina.

“By releasing his decision at exactly the same time as the explosive report on Labour’s illegal election overspending he is hoping to dodge the humiliation of being sidelined.

“It is telling that when National called for Mr Carter to step aside from making the final decision three weeks ago, Mr Carter staunchly refused.

“Mr Carter has only stepped aside because Dover Samuels threatened to vote for my bill overturning the Whangamata decision if he did not.”

The vote for Dr Smith’s bill is to be held on 25 October. Debate began on the bill last night.

“The support of the National, Act, United Future and NZ First parties means the House is split 61 to 60. Dover Samuels’ vote would cause the Government an embarrassing defeat.

“We thank Dover Samuels because it is absolutely right that Mr Carter should not make a final decision on the marina, after having been found by the High Court to have broken the law three times.

“The Minister has accepted he is unfit to carry out this power reserved for the Minister of Conservation. But this leaves open the question as to why he should retain the ministerial warrant for similar decisions.

“Chris Carter’s bungling has caused huge uncertainty for hundreds of other coastal consent applicants. He should go.”

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