SOE Minister Awaits Police Report On Mangere Death

Wednesday, 30 May 2007, 3:34 pm
Article: Kevin List

SOE Minister Awaiting Police Report On Mangere Death

State Owned Enterprises Minister Trevor Mallard told the media this afternoon that he was 'extremely concerned' about reports of the death of a Mangere woman Folole Muliaga, 44, following her power being disconnected by a contractor employed by Mercury Energy.

According to news reports Ms Muliaga, 44, was an early childhood teacher and mother of four children aged from five to 18.

Mrs Muliaga had apparently been ill for some time this year and was only recently out of hospital. According to reports Ms Muliaga relied on an electric pump for an oxygen supply.

A spokesman for the family told media organisations that the contractor was told she relied on electricity to survive but power was apparently cut off anyway.

Mr Mallard today explained to reporters that had received a brief report from Mercury Energy's parent company Mighty River Power which did not necessarily coincide with a radio transcript he had read relating to the tragedy.

"I think we have to be very careful about rushing to judgements until the Police have had their chance to weigh the evidence. It's also important to remember we have a grieving family and they need some room to grieve," was Mr Mallard's explanation when asked by a TVNZ reporter if this was a case of profits before people.

Listen to State Owned Enterprises Minister Trevor Mallard full press conference

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