Judith Collins MP National Party Veterans Affairs Spokeswoman

5 June 2006

Labour ignores Nancy Wake again

Labour is the last to recognise the actions of New Zealand's greatest living war heroine, says National's Veterans Affairs spokeswoman, Judith Collins.

"Nancy Wake's absence from the Queen's Birthday Honours List is a disgrace," says Ms Collins.

"The Government has missed a golden opportunity to make amends for Jim Anderton's insulting remarks, and show their commitment to veterans in the Year of the Veteran." Code-named 'The White Mouse', Nancy Wake was at one stage the Gestapo's most wanted person, but she has never received an honour from New Zealand.

Jim Anderton said of Ms Wake: 'Being famous, and born in New Zealand, are not of themselves sufficient reasons for her to be considered for an honour, however heroic her history.'

But her outstanding courage, bravery and leadership in her work with the Resistance in World War Two earned recognition in Britain, France, Australia and the United States. She has also been given the RSA's top award.

"So far, requests to have Nancy Wake honoured have fallen on deaf ears. The Government's only response has been to belittle her courage and self-sacrifice."

National MP Sandra Goudie presented a petition to Parliament in February calling for recognition of Nancy Wake.

"Helen Clark designated 2006 as Year of the Veteran. Actions speak louder than words," Ms Collins says.

ENDS

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