Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Lee isolated on Waterview option

Lee isolated on Waterview option

National’s decision today to push for an inferior option for the Waterview Connection is a kick in the guts for the people of Mt Albert and has effectively sidelined their candidate Melissa Lee, Labour’s Mt Albert candidate David Shearer says.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce today all but ruled out the deep tunnel option supported by Labour, despite knowing there is overwhelming support among Mt Albert people for a tunnel, David Shearer says.

“This is a second class solution for a first class city.

“The role of an MP is to be an advocate for their community. Melissa Lee is not willing to stand up for the wishes of Mt Albert residents. She announced she supported bulldozing 500 homes for a six lane motorway even before the Government announced its latest decision.

“Her preferred option is even more extreme than that of the Government’s.

“Steven Joyce admitted at a press conference today that he had not bothered to brief Ms Lee on his decision.

“This follows John Key’s dismissal of her views yesterday after she voiced her personal preference for a hugely unpopular all-above ground motorway through Mt Albert.

“Over the last two days she has shown she does not have the ear of the Government and is not prepared to advocate for the people of Mt Albert.”

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.