Asset sales will haunt National-led Government

The passing of legislation allowing the sell-off of our energy companies and Air New Zealand is a national tragedy, says Labour Leader David Shearer.

“This obnoxious law was passed by a wafer thin majority thanks to a politician who got just 0.6% support from Kiwis at the last election. It is a travesty. Peter Dunne and National MPs will pay dearly for their actions when voters get their say at the next election.

“The legislation may have gone through. But the fight is not over. It simply moves from the debating chamber out onto the streets. New Zealanders are queuing up to sign the petition for a citizens-initiated referendum. This shows how strongly they are opposed to this asset sales agenda,” said David Shearer.

“This issue is not going to go away. It will not be a situation where the legislation passes and people forget. The Government will sell Mighty River Power this year, another of our assets next year and the year after,” said Clayton Cosgrove.

“This will be a weeping sore for National. Every time they sell an asset, the public will remember. And when power prices go up because of the privatisation of our energy companies, Kiwis will have John Key to thank.”

National is still facing a number of hurdles, including the referendum. It will also have to answer to Kiwis if they sell the assets at rock bottom prices and they face potential legal action from Tūwharetoa and the Māori Council, says David Shearer.

“National’s determination to plough ahead with such an unpopular plan shows just how out of touch they are with Kiwis. National is not governing in New Zealand’s best interests,” said David Shearer.