Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Nepata brothers decision proves National doesn’t care


Nepata brothers decision proves National doesn’t care

Independent MP Brendan Horan is outraged that the National Party has today denied compensation to Damien and George Nepata.

The two brothers were both members of the New Zealand Army when they were seriously injured in separate accidents.

“Today’s announcement shows the National Party doesn’t care about the men and women who are our Armed Forces,” said Brendan Horan.

“It is a slap in the face for National’s Maori Party support partners, all of whom supported the call for just compensation.

“The decision shows absolute contempt for Parliament and the select committee process. The Maori Affairs Select Committee examined the evidence, heard from all parties including the Nepata whanau, and made a unanimous recommendation for the brothers to be awarded additional compensation for their injuries and subsequent hardship.

“I am disgusted, outraged, and appalled,” said Brendan Horan.

The timing of the release, after Parliament has risen for the year and on the same down all criminal charges re Pike River have dropped, is cynical beyond belife.

It is egregious that the Government is willing to open the cheque book for the big end of town. Look at Chorus where the National Party is ready to write a cheque for an additional $400 million. Look at South Canterbury Finance bailed out to the tune of $1.8 billion. Yet they are denying the Nepata brothers a tiny fraction of that amount.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.