Anderton Wrong To Seek More Laws To Control Body-Taking
John Hayes
National MP for Wairarapa
Jim Anderton has been a Member of Parliament for long enough to know better than to seek more laws to deal with
body-taking, says Wairarapa MP John Hayes.
Mr Hayes has been involved in the successful resolution of a problem in the Wairarapa last week that was similar to that
of Anderton’s constituent James Takamore
“Given the similarity of the incidents, I sought advice from Mr Anderton on how he had approached the problem.
“As he says in his press statement, he had talked to Ranginui Walker and written to the Law Commission and the Minister
of Police.
“In a second phone call, I asked him if he had tried to mediate between the parties. He said he had not and I believe
that was a fundamental mistake by a parliamentarian old enough to know better.
“The existing law is more than adequate. What is important is to encourage the families involved to speak with each
other directly and not through the media.
“Adopting a common-sense approach of talking to each other had enabled families related to Tina Marshall, who had died
suddenly in Carterton, to work through the issues.
“Problems had arisen in both cases when the dialogue was conducted through the media.
“Minister Anderton was in the unique position of a local member who could have contributed to resolving the problem with
his constituents had he engaged with the parties rather than conducting a dialogue through the media.
“His proposal to promulgate new laws in this area was politically correct humbug and not required. Common sense and
dialogue were the only ingredients needed”.
“Following the course being suggested by Anderton would ultimately create conflict between the police and the families –
in effect, between the State and Maori. That outcome would not be in the interest of any New Zealander.”
Mr Hayes said that though he was not the constituent MP in the Takamore case, he was prepared to help facilitate a
solution if a family member were to contact him.
ENDS