Goff's Missed Approach On Air NZ Charters

Defence and Trade Minister Phil Goff's criticism of Air New Zealand is a further sign that his Government does not understand the importance of free markets or support for our traditional allies, ACT New Zealand National Security Spokesman Heather Roy said today.

"Air New Zealand operates on standard commercial air routes and under internationally-accepted practices - to which New Zealand is a signatory, and which are no different for any Kiwi travelling overseas - making it entirely appropriate to carry Australian and US troops to Kuwait as part of its charter business," Mrs Roy said.

"Further, Mr Goff has reinforced the point that the Labour-led Government should sell its shareholding in the airline - how could any company be expected to operate with confidence when its major shareholder attacks it politically in the media?

"The fact is that New Zealand has a military presence at the UN headquarters in Baghdad, meaning that we clearly support operations in Iraq - or is Mr Goff expressing a vote of no-confidence in Kiwi troops deployed under UN Security Council Resolutions?

"Or, perhaps, Mr Goff prefers the dubious UN practice of contracting the cheapest bidder - which saw New Zealand and other allied troops flying to and from East Timor on chartered Russian aircraft beset with engineering problems?

"Mr Goff's comments were completely out of order - perhaps the choice of a Foreign Affairs Minister outside Cabinet is coming home to roost for the Clark Government.

"However you look at it, Mr Goff's criticisms of MFAT officials and our national carrier were completely unacceptable; he is not Foreign Affairs Minister and should keep his comments to himself - lest he highlight even more of his Government's failings with future attacks," Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

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