Green MP Nandor Tanczos has called on Minister of Corrections Matt Robson to abandon his plans to build a prison at
Ngawha after the project was denied resource consent today.
"I'm amazed that a Minister with Matt Robson's historical commitment to fairness and alternatives to prisons seems
determined to force this new prison on the people of Northland," said Mr Tanczos. "I call on the Minister to accept the
decision, instead of appealing it as he has said he will do."
Mr Tanczos said the Green Party completely supported the decision of the Northland Regional Council today to turn down
the prison, and particularly supported the council's recognition of the area's "immense cultural and spiritual
significance to Ngapuhi".
"This decision vindicates the committed stance of the local hapu in the face of Departmental indifference, and I commend
them for their courage and tenaciousness."
"The Department has consistently ignored and belittled the genuine concerns of local people, but this decision shows
that there are significant cultural issues that the Department has ridden roughshod over."