Gavan Herlihy National MP for Otago
23 November 2000
Hodgson the absentee Minister
Otago MP Gavan Herlihy says it is "despicable" that the Minister Responsible for Timberlands West Coast Limited, has yet
to visit the company after a year in the job.
Under questioning at today's meeting of the Primary Production Select Committee, the Chair of Timberlands, Warren Young,
revealed that Pete Hodgson has yet to make a visit to the company.
"It is both an insult and an abrogation of duty that the Minister has failed to take an interest in a company that is so
vital to the future of the West Coast.
"The Government's decision to axe the sustainable harvesting of West Coast beech trees, and its moves on rimu harvesting
have left Timberlands West Coast facing some major challenges in the next few years.
"It is totally unacceptable that the Minister hasn't shown his support for the company by paying Timberlands the
courtesy of a visit," Mr Herlihy said today.
Ends