Media Release
3 April 2008
Say No to Airport Sale
New Zealand First has called on the Government to reject attempts by a Canadian pension fund to acquire a 40 percent
stake in Auckland International Airport, and believes the New Zealand Superannuation Fund should take a controlling
stake instead, says the party’s economic development spokesperson Doug Woolerton.
“The final decision is now in the hands of Ministers Cosgrove and Parker and is expected in the near future. They must
act in the best interests of the country and reject the Canadian bid to take control of one of our key strategic assets.
“Once the bid is rejected, the Government should take a bold step and use some of the $13.5 billion dollars currently in
the super fund to ensure the airport remains in Kiwi control and ownership. It is clearly worth the long-term investment
of super funds – the Canadians pension fund bid highlights this.
“The Superannuation Fund was established with the noble aim of ensuring the future prosperity of New Zealand. Investment
by the fund to keep major assets in Kiwi ownership will only enhance our future,” said Mr Woolerton.
ENDS