17 December 2001.
Mr Brian Lockstone,
Manager, Government Affairs New Zealand and Pacific Islands,
Qantas Airways Limited,
Dear Brian,
Qantas Airways, via yourself, has requested a meeting with me and this has been scheduled for Wednesday, 19 December.
Seeing that no formal agenda items were suggested, I have worked on the presumption that the meeting is in the nature of
a general courtesy call and to discuss matters relating to Qantas operations in New Zealand.
You will be aware that in recent days there has been a noticeable amount of media speculation on this side of the Tasman
that the meeting could discuss matters relating to Air New Zealand and a possible Qantas shareholding in it. It also
appears that the rumours originated on the other side of the Tasman.
I am writing to make it clear, in advance, that I am not prepared to discuss matters that relate to the finances of Air
New Zealand, or any other matter relating to Air New Zealand, at this meeting.
I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.
Yours sincerely,
Hon Dr Michael Cullen,
Minister of Finance.