'Go straight to the police, Mr Rankin' - Maori Party

The Maori Party has dismissed as grossly irresponsible the behaviour of David Rankin from Northland in not reporting a serious crime.

“If Mr Rankin has knowledge of a million-dollar crime, he has a duty to report it immediately to the police,” said Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples.

“Instead, he says he plans to make an announcement in a few weeks, to show he is seriously thinking about standing for Parliament.

“This is unbelievably irresponsible,” said Tariana Turia. “While Mr Rankin plans his election campaign, forensic evidence could be destroyed, money could be hidden, witnesses could be intimidated, and offenders could make their escape.

“It sounds as though Mr Rankin’s political aspirations mean more to him than solving the crime, recovering the proceeds and catching the offenders,” she said.

“Mr Rankin’s behaviour shows contempt for the law and the justice system. Who would want such a man as a lawmaker?” asked Dr Sharples.

“We urge Mr Rankin to come to his senses and go immediately to the police with his evidence – otherwise he might find the police come to ask him why he assisted the commission of an offence by not reporting it straight away,” said Dr Sharples and Mrs Turia.