Security of medals must be assured

The public needs to be assured that New Zealand's most precious war medals will be housed in the safest place possible now that they have been recovered, says National's Defence spokesman, Wayne Mapp.

"Along with the rest of the nation, I am delighted with this remarkable outcome.
"These medals are a hugely significant part of New Zealand's heritage. The police are to be congratulated for their outstanding efforts.

"It is now essential that a comprehensive and objective review of security requirements is conducted to determine the best place in which to display the medals in the future.

"The Waiouru Army Museum is relatively isolated which is arguably a factor in their theft. Consideration should be given to whether they would be safer kept in high-security venues like Te Papa or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

"Any decision must also take into account that the medals must be easily available for public viewing."