2 September 2013
Public win referendum on asset sales
John Key should suspend his asset sales programme until a citizens initiated referendum is held, says the Keep Our
Assets coalition, whose petition opposing the Government’s unpopular asset sales was successfully validated today.
The final count on the petition of 327,224 valid signatures significantly exceeded the number required by nearly 20,000,
and makes it the largest citizens initiated referendum petition ever.
“This result is a major victory for the majority of New Zealanders who oppose the Government’s discredited asset sales
programme,” said Keep Our Assets coalition spokesperson and official petitioner Roy Reid.
“John Key needs to immediately suspend the sale of Meridian until the citizens initiated referendum has been held. The
Government cannot continue to ignore the significant public opposition to the asset sales programme.
“New Zealanders have spoken up in unprecedented numbers to stop asset sales. The most respectful thing for the
Government to do is listen to New Zealanders and stop the asset sales until the referendum is held.
“Our energy assets were built for the benefit of all New Zealanders, selling them only benefits a small number of people
who can afford to buy shares. New Zealanders don’t like that.
“The sale of Mighty River Power has been a disaster for the Government and investors. The share price has plummeted and
average mums and dads could not afford to invest.
“We look forward to the referendum and the opportunity for New Zealanders to stop any further asset sales and put an end
to this unpopular and unsuccessful policy.”
ends