Media Release
11 October 1999
PRE-ELECTION PROMISES NOT MATCHED BY RECORD
New Zealand First has described Labour’s rural health policy as a cynical attempt to woo provincial New Zealand.
Rural spokesperson, Ian Walker, says people will remember that Helen Clark closed down 29 hospitals between 1984 - 1990.
“Rural voters should not be fooled by what Labour says now, but should remember what happened the last time Labour was
in charge of the health system. There still seems to be no genuine desire from Labour to fix a worsening problem,” said
rural spokesperson Ian Walker.
“New Zealand First is committed to equity of access to health care for all New Zealanders. Rather than getting involved
in the costly business of changing delivery structures there needs to be a change in policy direction.
“New Zealand First will make equity of access to health services in rural areas a key principle of its health policy,
being released soon”.
ENDS
Contact: Ian Walker phone: (09) 408 0072 mobile: 025 278 5518