Hobson’s Pledge calls on Labour MP Shanan Halbert to correct the public record and apologise after making false allegations about Hobson’s Pledge during a radio interview yesterday.

Mr Halbert claimed Hobson’s Pledge had spread misinformation about local iwi in relation to the tragic landslide at Mount Maunganui. Those claims are entirely untrue.

“Hobson’s Pledge has not commented on the landslide, nor on any individuals or groups connected to it,” said Don Brash. “At this stage, and in respect for those affected, we consider it appropriate only to express our sorrow and empathy for the families who lost loved ones in this devastating event.”

Don Brash said it was particularly disappointing that Mr Halbert made the allegations while calling for political leaders to stand up against misinformation.

“When a Member of Parliament publicly accuses an organisation of spreading misinformation, that claim should be accurate and evidence-based,” he said. “In this case, it is neither. Given Mr Halbert’s professed concern about misinformation, it is incumbent on him to correct the record and apologise for making allegations that are demonstrably false.”

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