14 August 2001
It's time the Government showed some consistency in its influence over commercial decisions, National's Transport
spokesperson Belinda Vernon said today.
"Dr Cullen has gone out of his way to challenge the Air NZ board's decision to support Singapore Airlines' bid to
acquire a larger shareholding in Air New Zealand.
"Meanwhile the Government pays lip service to the importance of foreign investment for New Zealand, but stands in the
way of foreign investment in Air New Zealand which would see it better positioned to promote New Zealanders' interests
nationally and internationally.
"Today Gary Toomey spelt out his vision for Air New Zealand as a top 20 world airline, built on the promotion of New
Zealand internationally, provision of competitive domestic and trans-Tasman services and protecting New Zealand access
to international markets.
"It's time Dr Cullen spelt out his vision for Air New Zealand because it appears he sees it as a small player to serve
the domestic market, in a so-called 'partnership' that will diminish competition in New Zealand and put New Zealanders
last.
"Dr Cullen, through the Kiwi Share, is responsible for protecting New Zealanders' interest in Air New Zealand. He needs
to start doing so, instead of undermining the direction and future of the company through the Government's continual
procrastination on the issue," Belinda Vernon said. Ends
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