23 February 2005

Local Issue, Local Consent

New Zealand First is pleased that the Minister of Conservation is acting sensibly in endorsing the ability of councils to hear an application by Mighty River Power to build a coal-based power station at Marsden Point.

“I am concerned that some local agitation has been developed to prevent the likelihood of the legal consent process taking place, when local councils are quite capable of following due process,” said Local Government and Environment spokesperson Jim Peters.

“The consent process is an orderly way for the applicant and submitters to bring experts and witnesses before the combined consent hearing.

“The people of Whangarei and Northland should be reassured that the consent process will give proper consideration to all matters, and that the councils involved, Northland Regional Council and Whangarei District Council, are fully aware of local concerns. “Today’s vote of confidence by the Minister in the capacity of councils to handle this controversial issue is heartening, and no more than local communities deserve when it is they who are affected by such decisions,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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