31 May 2007

Press Release
For immediate release.

Wayne Hawkins Deputy Leader and Constitutional spokesman for the Republicans has called for a revamp of the honours system.

He said, “That our highest award should be the Republic Medal”

One of the first recipients should be Joe Karam for services to Justice and the people of New Zealand.

Mr Hawkins claimed “the selfless efforts of the Champion of the Bain Case were more than praiseworthy, they were deserving of recognition.”

Further said Mr Hawkins, “The Bain travesty has proven beyond reasonable, doubt that there are serious weaknesses in our Justice system, and these have been exposed by Mr Karam.”

This merits the highest honour to be bestowed upon citizens, for a man who has dedicated himself to a fair and just outcome.

The Deputy Leader said, “Republicans remained concerned that NZ citizens still deferred to an English honours list” and called for “the Queens Birthday protocol of recognition of achievement to be transferred to Constitution Day.

ENDS

© Scoop Media