Dr Paul Hutchison
National Party Research, Science & Technology Spokesman

19 September 2007

Dark cloud remains over Niwa-MetService stoush

National's Research, Science & Technology spokesman, Dr Paul Hutchison, has been forced to go to the Ombudsmen to find out what the Government has done to resolve the long-running stoush between Niwa and MetService.

"It is absolutely unacceptable that the Labour Government has decided to block my requests for an update on this issue.

"Last year, relations between Niwa and MetService became so stormy that the Government had to appoint a mediator to help broker a truce.

"The mediator was appointed in October 2006 and the only progress so far is a report to Ministers that was two months late and that Labour is refusing to release under the Official Information Act.

"I have no other alternative but to take the matter up with the Ombudsmen's Office."

Dr Hutchison is mystified as to why the issue has been shrouded in secrecy, and why Labour is so reluctant to shed any light on a possible resolution.

"Weather forecasting is incredibly important, not only for civil defence, but for many businesses and industries, including fishing and farming, who rely on these agencies for accurate information.

"But it's obviously not a priority for this Government."

ENDS

© Scoop Media