Judith Collins: Defence Minister and Attorney-General on the directive around race in prosecution and the finding of the Manawanui's navigation book

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Judith Collins says race shouldn't be a factor in prosecution decisions.

Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC has been under fire after advising prosecutors to "think carefully about particular decisions... where a person is Māori".

Collins —in her capacity as Attorney-General— is refusing to endorse the directive.

She told Ryan Bridge all prosecution decisions should be carefully thought about, but based on circumstances, not on race.

Collins says it's not just about whether someone can be prosecuted, but whether they can be prosecuted in those circumstances.

The HMNZS Manawanui’s navigation book has also been found by the crew of a British ship.

A New Zealand Defence Force spokesman has confirmed Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Tamar was able to recover the book

The navigation record book and black box are expected to be key evidence in the Court of Inquiry.

Defence Minister Collins told Bridge the HMS Tamar has found good information.

She says the ship was in the area to see what they could do to help, and that information will be part of the investigation.

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