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Opposition to Asset Sales Takes New Twist Near Beehive

Friday 1 March 2013: An historic moment occurs today in a new wave of opposition to the Government’s planned asset sales of electricity companies. Banners will be hung on a small piece of Maori land in front of parliament in association with the Say No to Asset Sales group.

Say No to Asset Sales will be holding lunchtime gatherings here where members of the public are invited to bring their lunch and join in showing their opposition the sale of our national assets.

Peter Love (Te Atiawa) says, “This isn’t a Maori versus Pakeha issue at all. The power stations were built for us all by many determined hands and minds. They were built and funded by the public to power our country. We have all benefited. It is our responsibility now to keep in good condition for the next generation”.

“John Key has lost the contest of the ideas with 80% opposition to asset sales”, said Richard McIntosh, spokesperson for Say No to Asset Sales. “The backbone of our economy is electricity. These power stations are the source of public prosperity and underpin our national security. Selling these companies would hand power of our economy and country to others. In addition, the Government’s business case has been roundly slammed”.

“Government press releases give the impression that energy companies are falling over themselves to say how much they want to be sold. This is directed from the top and has to stop”, said Mr McIntosh. “The Government is putting us all in a very dangerous situation. This is recognised by the many groups who have outlined their opposition.”

Waititi landing where the gatherings will take place is the former waterfront site where waka were landed, now signified by two carved poupou on the corner of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay. The first lunchtime gatherings are next week at 12 noon on Wednesday and Friday.

The lunchtime gatherings follow an anti-assets sale rally two weeks ago where representatives of Te Atiawa, Grey Power, Greenpeace, the Anglican Church, the Council of Trade Union, the NZ Maori Council, Public Service Association, the Mayor of Wellington, economists Dr Geoff Bertram and Ganesh Nana and Professor Jane Kelsey outlined cases against asset sales.

See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrVYgJzJLU0&feature=youtu.be

Meet Peter Love and Richard McIntosh at two carved poupou on the corner of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay in front of the Beehive for interviews from 11am Friday 1 March.

ENDS

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