Spokesperson for Local Government
10 April 2013

Government Stifles Expert Evidence at Select Committees

The Government has shown utter contempt to submitters at a Select Committee in Auckland this week when many were given just a handful of minutes to address the committee.

Local Government, Environment and RMA spokesperson Andrew Williams says what took place at the committee hearing into both the RMA Reform and the Auckland Unitary Plan was a disgrace.

“Many submitters including QCs, barristers, and resource management experts were offended at the five minutes they were given to speak to the committee.

“Some submitters said that it was an absolute insult to be provided with such little time to speak, given their respective decades of professional expertise.”

Mr Williams says cutting speaking time is a clear indication that the Government is only paying lip service while it bulldozes through its predetermined agenda.

“This has become a far too common occurrence with this Government during the Select Committee process.

“Submitters are being treated with contempt by not being given sufficient time to provide evidence and properly outline their ideas, and receive questions from MP’s.

“Grave concerns have been expressed by many very reputable individuals and organisations about how this important process is being managed and manipulated by the Government.

“New Zealand First agrees with concerned submitters that this blinkered Government will stop at nothing to implement its agenda – including trampling all over our
democracy,” says Mr Williams.

ENDS

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