Ruth Dyson
Conservation Spokesperson
8 September 2011
Conservation Minister ducks questions

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson today failed to provide any assurances that frontline conservation services would not be reduced as a result of her cutbacks, Labour Conservation spokesperson Ruth Dyson says.

“The Department of Conservation this week announced nearly 100 jobs would go, affecting regional offices around the country,” Ruth Dyson said.

“Some of those expected to lose their jobs are the scientists who were working to prevent the North Island kiwi becoming extinct.

“The Minister was fulsome in the praise of the late Don Merton when he died, but now is passing up the opportunity to genuinely pay tribute to this great New Zealander by ensuring that his vision and passion for saving threatened species is continued,” Ruth Dyson said.

“Those with technical expertise and scientific knowledge about our public estate are also losing their jobs, at the same time as the Ministry of Economic Development has doubled the number of people in its oil and minerals unit.

“This shows the government’s contempt for the clear voice of New Zealanders who oppose mining in our most precious areas. They are sacking the very people who are experts in defending the land,” Ruth Dyson said.

ENDS

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