Dr Paul Hutchison
Port Waikato MP
24 March 2004
Waikato prison process gets murkier
The Government's guarantee that consultation money for the Meremere prison would be "used wisely" appears increasing
shaky, says Port Waikato MP Dr Paul Hutchison.
"The Department of Corrections have been bringing in 'rent-a-crowds' for consultative hui, and despite the huge amount
of money spent, many local Maori are extremely dissatisfied with the results."
In May 2002, former Minister of Corrections Matt Robson told Parliament "I can guarantee that the money will be used
wisely."
"Instead it appears the consultative process with Iwi, which cost $1.3 million for Meremere alone, is fraught with
flaws. Among the concerns is the fact that $131,753 of that money was paid to a convicted fraudster.
"The overall cost blowouts of $62 million has occurred while consultative costs by Jagcon Limited amount to $1,086,514
for the new prison.
"This entire prison process has a litany of flaws. Matt Robson's guarantee on behalf of the government is now looking
seriously wrong," said Dr Hutchison.
Ends