National angry EPA chief cleared of misleading MPs

National is incensed government MPs have cleared the Environmental Protection Authority's chief executive Allan Freeth of misleading a select committee earlier this year. Dr Freeth told the committee he hadn't discussed the authority's independence or views with the associate Environment Minister, Eugenie U-Janey Sage. RNZ News later revealed Ms Sage had sent Dr Freeth a highly critical media article about the authority's outspoken chief scientist, Jacqueline Rowarth and said she'd discussed Dr Rowarth's controversial comments on irrigation with him. In April, Dr Freeth reappeared before the committee, saying Ms Sage had been mistaken about the meeting. Government MPs say they're satisfied they weren't misled, but National's environment spokesperson Scott Simpson told political reporter Benedict Collins their conclusion is just a whitewash.