Media statement Tuesday, June 7th, 2005

Transport crisis campaign hits highly sensitive mark

Transport Minister Peter Hodgson has registered the wrong website domain name in a knee jerk reaction to a campaign aimed at tapping Aucklanders frustration over transport.

In his zeal to hose down the pre-election pro transport campaign for Auckland, it appears Transport Minister Peter Hodgson has wasted party funds, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) said.

“Peter Hodgson claims to have registered a web site name that was never made public and never going to be used for any EMA campaign,” said a spokesman for EMA, Gilbert Peterson.

“It’s a pity he is reacting to the campaign rather than the issues causing it. We invite him to apply the same degree of alacrity and reaction speed to Auckland’s transport crisis.

“Mr Hodgson appears to have acted on the basis of campaign documents rejected two drafts ago. The content and timing of the campaign have not been finalised.

“It’s EMA’s job to make sure Auckland businesses and their employees going to and from work get the best possible policy deal on transport for Auckland.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to prise the best possible policy position from all political parties and we’ll give our total support to the policy options that deliver the best transport development with the greatest speed.

“Transport is THE critical issue for Auckland – judging by government reaction to this campaign that seems to be agreed.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media