National rates War Memorial as a low priority  
       

Labour’s Veterans Affairs spokesperson Rick Barker says it is disgraceful that the Government can commit $50 million to Prime Minister John Key’s pet cycleway, but can’t guarantee the New Zealand War Memorial Park project will proceed.

“Arts and Culture Minister Chris Finlayson is being consistently evasive on the issue of an appropriate national war memorial. The truth is that National is not prepared to commit funding to it,” Mr Barker said.

“I have asked Chris Finlayson a series of written questions (08224-30) trying to get to the bottom of what misgivings he might have about the former Labour Government’s plans to honour our servicemen and women in the way they deserve.

“He is trying to justify the Government’s inaction by claiming there has been no approved plan or properly-costed design,” Mr Barker said.

“That is rubbish. Plans were agreed last year between the Wellington City Council, central government and the local school, and Mr Finlayson can’t say --- or won’t say --- what’s wrong with these plans.

“Clearly, the national cycleway or ‘party central’ for the Rugby World Cup in Auckland are more important priorities for National than a memorial project that reflects the respect that New Zealand has for its men and women who served and lost their lives for the sake of our freedom and the freedom of others.”

Rick Barker said the current state of the lower ground at the National War Memorial is disgraceful.

“Some things just have to be on the ‘must be done’ list regardless, and creating a respectful National War Memorial Park is one of these. I am appalled by National’s inaction, and its refusal to give a straight answer on when --- or if --- the park will proceed.”

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