Delay to Memorial Park Unnecessary
The decision by the Government to put the construction of the National War Memorial Park on hold is unnecessary, Labour MP for Wellington Central Grant Robertson said today.
“It appears that National have put the development of the park on indefinite hold. This is a project that is not only important to our national identity and to honour those who have sacrificed themselves for us, it also has the potential to create jobs at a time when they are needed,” Grant Robertson said.
“The Mt Cook community and school must be involved in the decision making process about the War Memorial Park. While there have been some wrinkles in the consultation process up to this stage that is not a reason to stop the project in its tracks. Consultation with the community and school should be carrying on right now.
“It was clear when officials from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage came to the Government Administration Select Committee last month that the real reason for any delays was National’s review of government expenditure. The responsible Minister, Chris Finlayson needs to think laterally about the War Memorial Park project, rather than see it only in terms of cutting costs.”
“Mt Cook residents have also approached me with concerns that the vacant land reserved for the park is becoming an eyesore. Putting the project on indefinite hold makes these concerns worse.”
“I call on Mr Finlayson to come up with a plan for making the Park a reality. Finalising the plan must involve the community and the school. The project as a win-win for Wellington and New Zealand,” Grant Robertson said.
