As a boy from Tauranga, MP Simon Bridges has always wanted his name up in lights – and now he has his wish.
The Energy Minister is the subject of Greenpeace's new 300sqm billboard on the corner of Manners and Cuba Street in Wellington featuring the slogan 'Simon Bridges Pants on Fire”.
The billboard of 'Simon Bridges Pants on Fire” in central Wellington.
It is accusing the minister of misleading Parliament over a meeting he had with oil company Shell about a controversial Crown Minerals Bill amendment covering deep-sea oil protests.
Greenpeace says Simon denied in Parliament having contact with oil companies over the bill amendment that was rushed through Parliament without public consultation.
But when it emerged that he had met Shell just weeks before announcing the amendment, the Labour Party said it ‘appears that Mr Bridges misled Parliament'.
Simon denies these claims and is pleased with having his face plastered on the billboard.
"As a boy from Tauranga, I've always wanted my name up in lights in the big city. Now it's happened and I managed to get Greenpeace to pay for it," says Simon.
The environmental organisation is challenging the National MP to clear his name by releasing full, uncensored details of the meeting he admits to having with Shell on February 14, 2013.
Despite being asked weeks ago, Greenpeace says Simon has not released details of the meeting.
Greenpeace chief political adviser Nathan Argent says it is not a great look for the country's Energy Minister to have his 'pants on fire”.
"He's had a chance for the last few weeks to douse the flames, but he's instead kept the flares. And now thousands and thousands of people in the capital city, every day for the whole month, will get to see his misleading fashion sense.
'It's simple, Simon. Release all the details of the meeting with Shell. It's the only way to avoid the uncomfortable heat.”
Simon says while the Opposition and Greenpeace may wish otherwise, there was no conspiracy involved in the meetings.
'I was not, at any time, lobbied by Shell or anyone else to make the changes to the Crown Minerals Act.
'I met with Shell, but the issue was not discussed. Ministers regularly meet with business. However, decisions are made by Cabinet.”
Greenpeace have booked the billboard in the middle of Wellington for the next few weeks.
10 comments
Credibility
Posted on 17-07-2013 11:43 | By penguin
Why should we believe anything he has to say? And the "radiant smile" certainly doesn't cut it.
Greenpeace Who Use Petroleum Products!
Posted on 17-07-2013 13:12 | By tabatha
Greenpeace really annoy me, they stand on the street trying to get money from innocent people, who donate to get rid of them in some cases (not me), they down the exploration for oil yet come up with no alternatives and use bicycles that need oil to lubricate bearings etc but by far accept in use cars and planes. I bet they will not walk, bike etc from Auckland to Wellington to go to parliament so use fuels. If they really want to stop exploration etc they need to offer an alternative. Even other methods give off unwanted gases.
Billboard
Posted on 17-07-2013 13:25 | By socantor01
Only fools such as Greenpeace would spend good money on such a useless, no-substance issue. At least it is their own, I suppose (I hope!).
Mr Tank
Posted on 17-07-2013 14:18 | By Mr Tank
Misleading parliament is a serious matter. It has a direct impact on the faith and confidence we have in our democratic institutions. Any Member of Parliament worthy of their seat in the Parliament would treat the accusation very seriously and respond accordingly. So come on Simon prove you're worth the confidence the electors of Tauranga have shown in you and release the details Green Peace and the Labour Party have asked of you. After all, if you have nothing to hide it should be a no brainer.
Good on you Simon
Posted on 17-07-2013 15:56 | By Papamoaner
I have often suspected Greenpeace and those other pirates they don't get on well with, of exploiting adventurous young people as crew on their boats for free. These guys are experts at raising money to fund their loud shrill minority voice. Simon is right on the money (sic). They have financed the best publicity a politician could ever wish for. All those nice people who donate money to good causes would do well to divert their donations to the Red Cross. Then you know exactly what your donation is used for - no guns, no junket ships, no posturing, no politics, - just hard work and effort helping desperate people all over the world.
Greenpeace
Posted on 17-07-2013 16:45 | By Councillorwatch
It's good that we have a sensible government prepared to try and improve our economy. If we don't have a good economy how on earth are we going to pay all the benefits of a welfare state. We can't go on borrowing. Good on Simon for standing up for good hard working NZers.
the issue was not discussed
Posted on 17-07-2013 16:47 | By jaydeegee
Yeah! Right!
Keep to the point
Posted on 17-07-2013 20:24 | By Pamaxx
Greenpeace says Simon denied in Parliament having contact with oil companies over the bill amendment. Simon admitted he met Shell just weeks before announcing the amendment but stated he did not discuss the amendment with them. So he is telling the truth and until Labour or Greenpeace produce evidence to the contrary Simon's statement must stand. He is grateful for having his face displayed on their billboard. Free advertising is good at any time. Nice work Simon.
Pamaxx
Posted on 17-07-2013 22:47 | By YOGI BEAR
All sounds like just dreams and hopes that are fishing but pointless, no evidence means a waste of time and that means that they can only be hoping to gain something politically. Perhaps just a little printed space to keep the Greenpeace name in the light a little ... maybe. But they can not attack our Simon without proof and they don't have it then they need to withdraw the claims and apologies for it
watch this space
Posted on 18-07-2013 09:16 | By Papamoaner
They are masters at making themselves look like a majority when they are a minority, with tools like Regiments of orchestrated letter writers.
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