Media Statement
For immediate release Thursday, 13 May, 2004
Copeland slaps Govt hand in Origin Pacific's demise
The Government's continuing support for Air New Zealand has undoubtedly played a part in the Origin Pacific crisis by
"screwing the scrum", United Future's Gordon Copeland said today.
"This is a classic example of the dangers of governments diving into the market place - and frankly anyone connected
with Origin Pacific has every right to feel aggrieved.
"It's hard enough for small airlines to do business today without the obstacles that the Government played a substantial
part in putting in front of Origin Pacific," Mr Copeland, United Future's revenue spokesman, said after tackling the
Government on the issue in Parliament.
"It is now absolutely crucial that the Government made sure that the Commerce Act is assiduously and transparently
enforced over the issues of the proposed Air New Zealand alliance with Qantas," he said.
"I can't help but conclude that the Government's "nod, nod, wink, wink" attitude to that alliance has worked against
Origin Pacific."
Ends.