9. RON MARK (NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
Is she satisfied that police support for, or opposition to, bail conditions are given appropriate consideration in bail decisions made by the High Court?
Hon ANNETTE KING (Minister of Police) Link to this
As Minister of Police it is not appropriate for me to comment on decisions made by our independent judiciary. Police have the opportunity to put before the High Court their views on bail for particular individuals. The High Court judge in each case will consider the police views along with other relevant information.
Can she confirm that police did oppose the relaxation of bail conditions for Tame Iti that allowed him to go dancing around the world; if so, why did they oppose it?
It is my understanding that the police did oppose bail for Tame Iti, but I am not able to give the reasons why they did that. It is their duty to put before the High Court judge their reasons regarding bail; it is up to the judge to decide on it.
Is she satisfied that police would take account of genuine reasons for relaxing bail conditions, such as allowing travel to visit sick relatives, receiving medical treatment, or attending a tangi, and would she agree that it would be consistent with the public interest for police to oppose bail conditions that would allow a suspect to take part in a jaunt through Europe at the taxpayers’ expense?
I do not think it is appropriate for me to comment on an individual case, but I would like to say that it is not unnatural for the police to have one view on the merits or otherwise of a particular bail application, and for the judiciary—who have the responsibility to come to a decision—to come to a decision different from that of the police.
Is she aware that the High Court’s decision to ignore police opposition to amending these bail conditions has been wholeheartedly endorsed by the Leader of the Opposition, and would she see his comments as a slap in the face for police?
No, I am not aware of that. I certainly think that all members of Parliament need to be incredibly careful in commenting on decisions made by the court. We do hold to the principle that we have the separation of powers in New Zealand, and the independence of the judiciary is an important independence, just as this Parliament holds to itself the right to make laws.