Hon Nick Smith
National Party Environment Spokesman

18 September 2006

Carter must resign over Whangamata fiasco

National’s Environment spokesman, Nick Smith, says Chris Carter abused his ministerial powers over the Whangamata Marina decision and must resign.

“The High Court decision to overturn Chris Carter’s rejection of the marina shows the Minister didn’t follow due legal process in making his decision.

“This abuse of power will cost the taxpayer up to $250,000 in costs.

“National has consistently maintained that the Minister was wrong.

“Today’s decision reinforces the need to permanently remove the Minister’s veto from the RMA process.”

This is National Party policy and is also being pursued by Dr Smith through a Member’s Bill.

“I had postponed the first reading of my bill until the court reached its decision. Now that that has happened, the bill will be read when the House resumes on October 11,” says Dr Smith.

“Chris Carter should resign because the High Court found that he abused the process and, subsequently, he has brought the whole Resource Management process into disrepute.

“A new Minister is required to give the important work of conservation new direction.”

ENDS

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