March 05, 2019
Shipley needs to ship out of Cook ship gala
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones is questioning whether Dame Jenny Shipley can stay on as co-chair of the organising committee for commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s arrival in Aotearoa.
Last week the High Court found Mainzeal directors including the former prime minister liable for debts owed to creditors of the failed construction company, because they allowed its controlling shareholder to siphon off money to invest in China.
Yesterday she announced she would step down from the board of China Construction Bank New Zealand.
Mr Jones says the Provincial Growth Fund has been a generous provider of putea for kaupapa associated with the Tuiā 250 commemorations.
Regardless of whether she will appeal, Dame Jenny can expect change.
"You know life's a funny thing. You either make decisions and try to avert circumstances crowding you out or you stand back and wait for circumstances make decisions for you. I thnik in the case of Jenny, she's had a fantastic run. She's been a prominent face in terms of the relationship between Aotearoa and China, but this court defeat changes everything for her," he says.
Mr Jones says Tuiā 250 is the responsibility of Crown Māori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis, who will be taking advice on any action.
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