New Zealand Executive Government News Release Archive

The following is the text of Denis Marshall's letter of resignation to the Prime Minister.

"Following the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Collapse of the Viewing Platform at Cave Creek, I gave a commitment to implement ministerial responsibility rather than shrink from it by resigning."

"Since that time I believe I have done everything possible to deliver on the changes needed to make the outdoor recreation experience in New Zealand as safe as possible."

"With regard to the Department of Conservation these changes are as follows:

• Implementation of a Quality Conservation Management System, with training programmes targeted at operations staff throughout the country.
• The establishment of an Oversight Committee to advise the department on the design and implementation of its new quality conservation management system and standards. The committee comprises three private sector individuals who have recognised expertise in systems management.
• The initiation of the DOC Safety Watch programme with a comprehensive cover over the whole of the country with a system for public comment, and
• The appointment of a National Health and Safety Co-ordinator to make sure all conservancies are fully implementing the Health and Safety and Employment Act."

"Finally, the government announced its green package just prior to the budget. This package was developed out of the priorities identified in the Government's Environment 2010 Strategy."

"The package included $68.4 Million for the Department of Conservation over 3 years. As you know that expenditure was targeted towards pests and weeds, threatened species, visitor facilities and biodiversity."

"The $10 million allocation for visitor services will enable the department to deal with the deferred maintenance bill for facilities on the conservation estate. That was an issue that urgently needed to be addressed for obvious safety reasons."

"The key tasks I have set myself have been completed and with a general acceptance by the public of the Government's commitment to its environment and conservation objectives I believe it is an appropriate time for me to step down from my role as Minister of Conservation."

"In resigning from the ministerial responsibility for conservation, I hope that the steps I have helped put in place to ensure the safety of visitor facilities will be able to proceed without any lingering distraction."

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