Reshuffle lands Benson-Pope in 'fish tank of sharks'

25 February 2004
By DENE MACKENZIE

Dunedin again has two cabinet ministers with the elevation yesterday of Dunedin South MP David Benson-Pope.


Mr Benson-Pope celebrated his 54th birthday on Monday but received his present from Prime Minister Helen Clark a day late with his appointment as Fisheries Minister, Associate Justice Minister and Associate Environment Minister with special responsibilities relating to the Resource Management Act. He will remain chief government whip until tomorrow.

The cabinet reshuffle was necessary after the resignation on Friday of Lianne Dalziel as immigration minister.

When contacted in Wellington, Mr Benson-Pope said he was "honoured" to have the support of caucus and Ms Clark.

He had spoken to his wife, Jan Flood, and his children Samantha and Henry. The news was "sinking in".

He takes over the complex fisheries portfolio from Dunedin North MP Pete Hodgson, who gains transport.

"I am particularly pleased to have the fisheries job because my close relationship with Pete will help the transfer of responsibility. There are a number of Bills coming up in that area which will be my prime workload," Mr Benson-Pope said.

He described as logical the new position of having a minister responsible for issues relating to the Resource Management Act.

The Government was not backing away from making good use of New Zealand's resources but there were issues surrounding the RMA that needed better understanding by the public. The process relating to Meridian Energy's proposed $1.2 billion energy scheme on the Lower Waitaki had highlighted some of those issues.

News of his promotion did not please everyone.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said the move was "truly astonishing" to anyone who had watched him in the House.

"It is like putting a minnow in a fish tank of sharks. He will be out of his depth and quickly gobbled up by the industry," Mr Peters said.