Minister’s lax approach not up to scratch

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp's lax approach to investigating the safety and security of Defence Force ammunition depots defies belief, Labour’s spokesperson for Defence, Iain Lees-Galloway says.

“Despite North Auckland residents being put at risk two weeks ago after ammunition was stolen from Kauri Point, the Minister is yet to take any action,” Iain lees-Galloway said.

“The Minister stated he ordered a report into the theft at Kauri Point which he expected a response on within the week. Almost two weeks on, nothing has surfaced and the Minster remains idle.

“When questioned in the House today Wayne Mapp confirmed that he had not yet met with the Chief of Defence Force to discuss any action that might be required to make ammunition depots such as Kauri Point on Auckland's North Shore safe from theft.

"Wayne Mapp has known about this issue for over three years now. Plans to upgrade Kauri Point and other ammunition depots had been developed before he became Minister. But he continues to sit on his hands and ignore the problem.

"The Minister cannot continue to fluff about, refusing to answer questions and making jokes about the situation. He must press for a response to his report. While no one was injured as a result of the theft, the danger is obvious and needs urgent attention.

"You'd think a Minister of Defence would be better equipped to take action. It's about time he started representing the values of our Defence Force personnel," Iain Lees-Galloway said.

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