27 July 2007

It's Our Airport And Must Remain So

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters said today that despite misinformation campaigns being undertaken by some in the media, the fact remains that our major strategic assets and land cannot be allowed to fall into foreign control.

“Reports by correspondents like Colin Espiner – who should know better – attributing views held by the then National Government to me are nothing less than vexatious, “ said Mr Peters.

“Auckland Airport is a strategic asset. It was clearly defined as such in the coalition agreement of 1996, and nothing has happened between then and now to change its status in our view. We believe that in the case of strategic assets, overseas investment rules should preclude the attainment of a controlling stake by a foreign entity.

“The foreign investment legislation should be strengthened to ensure that our major international gateway remains in our control for financial reasons, security reasons, and most importantly in our national interest. All of these points were raised by New Zealand First when the overseas investment laws were last amended in 2005,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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