The new appointments to the Waitangi Tribunal announced by Dr Pita Sharples this morning are completely out of order given the election is just five days away, says Labour's State Services spokesperson, Maryan Street.

'This Government continues to show disdain for proper process by making new appointments to the Waitangi Tribunal.

'It could simply have extended the terms of the sitting members until after the election. That would have been appropriate and would have received no opposition from Labour. As it is, Dr Sharples is appointing four new members. This is plain wrong and contrary to the usual process of government this close to an election.

'Dr Sharples says they are short term appointments for one year only. He misunderstands the process – there should be NO new appointments of any term this close to an election. If there was an emergency and new appointments had to be made as a matter of urgency, then a conversation with the Opposition would be in order.

'This is not an emergency. This is Pita Sharples and the Government flouting the usual rules, treating the electorate with disdain and doing something patently self-serving in the process. It is a disgrace,” says Maryan Street.

Source: Office of Maryan Street.