16 February 2001

Greens reject Shipley's cheap shots at 'Kiwi Bank'

Green Party co-leader Rod Donald said he is still waiting to see a letter from Jenny Shipley which is rumoured to outline her revelations over the 'Kiwi Bank'.

"You can't take Shipley's scare-mongering seriously when she hasn't even delivered her letter yet," said Mr Donald. "In any case, I am satisfied, based on the briefing we have received, that the business case is strongly positive, that the bank will be profitable after a set up phase and that bank fees will be significantly lower than what most people are paying today," he said.

Mr Donald rejected Jenny Shipley's claim that the Greens had been taken in by Mr Anderton's 'misleading spin'. We have never discussed the bank with Jim Anderton. We decided to support the bank after a comprehensive briefing from NZ Post Chairman Dr Ross Armstrong and senior Post staff.

"This is the same Dr Ross Armstrong who was the president of Jenny Shipley's party. By publicly slagging the 'Kiwi Bank' Mrs Shipley is actually calling into question his credibility and business acumen," he said.

"Mrs Shipley also has a very short memory. She has clearly forgotten that NZ Post paid the Government over $500 million in dividends when she was in power."

Mr Donald said the Greens would rather back Dr Armstrong's proven track record and business judgement than pay attention to Jenny Shipley's cheap shots.

Rod Donald: 025 507 183 Jonathan Hill (press secretary): 04 470 6719, 021 440 090

© Scoop Media