Rakaia River decision

Press, 14 May 1985, Page 20

Rakaia River decision

Sir,—The response of the member for Selwyn, Miss Ruth Richardson, to the recently-announced decision of the Planning Tribunal on the Rakaia River Conservation Order is highly instructive. The planning process of local authority hearing and Planning Tribunal appeal gives an opportunity for all interested parties to present evidence and for a decision to be made on the basis of the law and the arguments presented. Those who do not like the decision, like everybody else, had the opportunity to present a case, which at the appeal stage was considered by a panel presided over by an experienced judge used to weighing evidence. Miss Richardson’s comments illustrate the position of the National Party — that it is useless for objectors to present a case since if they don’t like a decision, the National Party will set aside the legal rights of all to legislate for the benefit of its own supporters.—Yours, etc.,

CHARLES MANNING. May 13, 1985.