Angry calls for Carter to resign

Racial abuse, tears and calls for the Minister of Conservation's head dominated a heated and packed-out Whangamata public meeting on Chris Carter's rejection of the marina proposal yesterday.

The tense meeting of around 700 mostly pro-marina supporters passed a resolution calling for Mr Carter to resign.

Several marina supporters also made anti-Maori remarks against locals who had opposed the marina development.

Mr Carter was invited to attend but declined.

National's conservation spokesman Nick Smith said Mr Carter's decision to overturn the Environment Court's endorsement of the marina was a threat to the democratic process.

He said the National Party would introduce a bill to Parliament to uphold the Environment Court decision and remove the conservation minister's right to veto court decisions.

Mick Kelly, president of the Whangamata Marina Society, said he would seek a judicial review of Mr Carter's decision.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY