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.

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