Report Confirms Two Laws Exist In New Zealand

Wednesday 21 Apr 2004 - Rodney Hide

ACT New Zealand Finance Spokesman Rodney Hide today said the Corrections Department report into Spring Hill Prison consultation had confirmed that Dr Don Brash - and the overwhelming number of Kiwis who support him - is right: under Labour, New Zealand has developed two law and policy systems, depending on whether or not you're Maori.

"Corrections spent money bullying pakeha neighbours to the proposed prison, while spending $1.5m on excessive consultation with Maori. Whether you got bullied or paid depended on whether you were Maori," Mr Hide said.

"Labour had found what many private developers have discovered - that the cheapest way of getting planning consents is to fork out for iwi consultation on `cultural matters'. If you don't, local Maori can hold any development up for years citing `cultural concerns'.

"The RMA is now making this extortion a daily part of New Zealand business activity. It is the real culprit, because it gives some Maori a trump card because they can simply use `cultural concerns' to oppose any development.

"Prime Minister Helen Clark is duplicitous. For years, her Government has been running preferential polices for Maori. But, when caught, she declares herself to be opposed to such excessive spending. Well, Ms Clark, Government Departments are simply implementing your policies.

"The only way for New Zealanders to put a stop to this nonsense is to change the Government at the next election," Mr Hide said.

ENDS

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