John Key MP
National Party Leader
13 April 2008
SOEs to be retained under National
National Party Leader John Key says National wants to build New Zealand’s asset base, and so will not sell all or part
of any state-owned enterprises or Crown company.
”The sale of state-owned enterprises is not necessary. The New Zealand Government does not have a debt problem – the
country has a growth problem.
“I’m interested in doing what is needed to drive New Zealand’s performance into the second decade of the 21st century.
I’m not interested in being distracted by tired old debates that achieve nothing. There are more important areas
National needs to direct its energies in.
“However, it is still necessary to ensure the Government’s investment in these very important state-owned enterprises is
well managed.”
National will:
- Not sell any state-owned enterprises or Crown-owned companies in full or part in National’s first term.
- Review governance of all SOEs to ensure strong performance.
- Review the 20-year-old reporting and accountability processes of SOEs to ensure they provide effective
monitoring of performance and improve performance.
“National wants to build New Zealand assets, and infrastructure is a vital part of that drive to increase the country’s
overall performance.
“National will invite people to invest in new infrastructure and new assets.
“To that end, we are considering other ways to invest in infrastructure, and one is infrastructure bonds. These could
be available both to mum and dad investors and government funds like the NZ Super Fund to invest in – for the benefit of
the whole country.”
Ends