Turia Tariana: Appointments — Independent Police Conduct Authority 
Turia Tariana: Appointments — Independent Police Conduct Authority 
[Volume:650;Page:19274] 
Hon TARIANA TURIA (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
 Tena koe Madam Assistant Speaker. Ka nui te mihi ki a tatou katoa. Firstly before I start my last speech in this term of Parliament I want to mihi to you for your leadership in the House and to thank you. 
The announcement at the start of the month that the Independent Police Conduct Authority would be receiving enhanced powers to arrest police officers and lay criminal charges as a result of its inquiries has been welcomed by the Maori Party. Similarly we supported the decision in Budget 2008 that an extra $4.7 million in operating funding would be appropriated to meet the requirements of this authority. It is to our mind eminently sensible for this organisation to have the authority to make appropriate decisions and the resources to carry out these tasks. We in the Maori Party stand by our commitment to the principles of accountability transparency and kaitiakitanga—the active exercise of responsibility—in a manner beneficial to resources and to the welfare of the people. Therefore we support any initiatives that will assist in strengthening the justice system and ultimately working to ensure that we all live in a safe secure and peaceful community. 
We have also been greatly impressed by the leadership brought to the authority by the appointment of Justice Lowell Goddard of Ngati Te Upoko Iri Ngati Kahungunu and Tuhoe. Justice Goddard took the initiative to visit Ruatoki as part of an inquiry into police actions in the Tuhoe raids. She made the decision to take an independent oversight of an event in our history that Tuhoe leader Tamati Kruger described as a gross breach of civil rights. In his assessment the breaches included many things. There were serious charges laid down and it is vital that every stone is turned if we are to enhance the credibility and the reputation of police in Aotearoa. 
Justice Goddard also made a symbolic visit to the street in Waitara on which Steven Wallace was shot. The comment that Steven’s mother Raewyn Wallace made after that visit sums up the quality of the presence that Justice Goddard has brought to the role. Mrs Wallace remarked that she was pleased that the authority was independent and was looking at all the issues over the police actions and procedures that were raised but not necessarily addressed in the private prosecution and the inquest. The authority is aiming to release in October its findings on Mr Wallace’s shooting and it is a report that we will be watching out for. It is important that the police act on its recommendations which could include that disciplinary action be taken against officers. 
The decision to re-examine the evidence on the Steven Wallace case certainly reinforces Justice Goddard’s intention that the Independent Police Conduct Authority will live up to its name and do exactly that—bring independent civilian oversight of the police. It will ensure a set of fresh eyes and a new perspective. As Mrs Wallace said: “Justice Goddard came to where it happened. She looked and listened. I appreciated that.” 
The authority it would appear has encouraged a new confidence amongst New Zealanders and its report released just at the start of this week regarding the search into the home of Dunedin man Bruce Van Essen was even further reinforcement of the important role played by the Independent Police Complaints Authority in helping to restore public confidence and trust in police work. 
Given all these factors in normal circumstances the decision to appoint new members to the Independent Police Conduct would have been supported by the Maori Party. But that is the thing: it is about normal circumstances. We did not receive the letter from the Minister concerning the appointments to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Human Rights Review Tribunal until 25 August. We are all aware that it has been the practice for Governments to exercise restraint in making significant appointments in the period leading up to a general election. Usually this is for a period of about 3 months. In our analysis the period of restraint should have begun on 15 August at the very latest. These appointments did not meet that threshold and accordingly we will not be supporting the motion—for that reason only; not because there are any personal considerations against the nominees. 
We believe that these appointments should be put on hold to be either confirmed or amended by the incoming Government after the 2008 election. Therefore the Maori Party cannot support the proposed appointments at this point. Kia ora.