31 July 2002 Media Statement
Young Nick’s Head decision not due on 4 August
Finance Minister Michael Cullen said today that the government would not be in any position to make an announcement on
the future of Young Nick’s Head on 4 August.
Dr Cullen was responding to statements from the protest spokesman, Tutekawa Wyllie, that the hikoi planned to arrive in
Parliament on 4 August because that was the deadline the government had set itself.
“In fact the extension of time agreed by the parties does not expire until 9 August. I would not want the hikoi arriving
at Parliament expecting an answer on Monday when no decision will be made on that day.
“The Department of Conservation must first come to the government with a recommendation after negotiations with the
potential purchaser. I would expect this process to be concluded either by or shortly after 9 August but no firm
timetable has been set,” Dr Cullen said.
ENDS