MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
28 JULY 1999
LUXTON URGES PUBLIC INPUT INTO BORDER REVIEW
Border Control Minister John Luxton today reassured conservationists including Forest and Bird's Kevin Smith that the
Government's Border Review does not have a pre-determined outcome.
"Contrary to what Mr Smith says the entire purpose of the border review is to examine all the options and allow
opportunity for public input. Only this morning in today's Independent did I reiterate that 'I have no particular
preferences about which model is adopted - that is an issue the review team is working through with stakeholders and
interested parties'."
"The Government takes its commitment to managing and protecting our borders very seriously. The present review and its
recommendations will not change this commitment. The purpose of the review is to see if we can do things better in
protecting our sovereign interests from risks associated with people and goods crossing the border."
"The discussion document has already had input from over 90 stakeholders and is now going out for further public
consultation. I would encourage Forest and Bird and any one else to have their say on the options outlined in the review
team's report."
Public submissions close on 31 August 1999. Copies of the report are available from the Border Review Team, PO Box 1042,
Wellington; ph (04) 474 8199.
ENDS