MPs Holiday Leaving Fishery Officers As Targets

“The Government foreshore and seabed decision which leaves Fishery Officers as targets of protestors for two months with its ‘sorry - on holiday’ method of consultation is grossly irresponsible,” said Nadine Marshall, Secretary of the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) who represent Fishery Officers.

“The Government announced its policy statement on the day after parliament rose for the year after six months of highly charged debate. It could have put a Bill into the House and asked for submissions. The policy announcement on Wednesday (17th Dec) will simply encourage some of those seeking change to target Fishery Officers in open protest on the beaches over the next two months.”

“The Government has shown little recognition of the position it has placed some Fishery Officers in,” said Nadine Marshall. “Already some Officers have been told to get around in pairs and are wearing stab proof vests.”

“Some Maori say the Government policy is like someone stealing your car and then telling you how you will be allowed to drive it. Others who never signed the treaty and who have had unlimited rights to their foreshore and seabed for 1,000 years are now ready to defend it. Some farmers have similar feelings.”

“To leave our beaches in this state for two months while Government MPs walk out and take a holiday is irresponsible behaviour,” said Nadine Marshall.

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