News

MP calls for Council to hold airport shares

Ross Robertson

21.06.2007

Manukau East MP Ross Robertson is calling on the Manukau City Council to ignore the offers for the sale of its Auckland International Airport shares.

“I see no good reason, based on current information, to sell our airport shares,” he said.

“This is a strategic asset belonging to the people of Manukau, and as a local MP I am opposed to any sale or sell-down of the shares. As a Council, Manukau is known for its social responsibility and astute management of the people’s resources.

“The dividends from the shares have stood our city in good accord over the years, leading to lower rate increases than might otherwise have occurred. This assists all Manukau ratepayers who are burdened enough with rate rises.

“Once the asset is gone, it is gone for good,” said Ross Robertson.

“New Zealand went through a series of strategic asset sales in the 1980s/90s, and the electorate said no, as both the Labour and National Parties can attest to with rejection at the ballot box,” he said

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