Media Release

15 April 2008

National Refuse To Debate Airport Sale

New Zealand First is surprised the National Party objected in the House this afternoon to a debate over the Government vetoing a decision to allow a Canadian pension fund to buy a stake in Auckland International Airport.

Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters sought an urgent debate under Standing Orders in Parliament this afternoon. The motion requires only one member to object for it to be defeated and objection was expressed by National Deputy Leader, Bill English.

“It is extraordinary that not only did National not seek a debate on the issue, but when one was offered to them, they sought to shut it down,” said Mr Peters.

“On Friday Mr Key called the Government’s decision ‘reckless’ but in a matter of days his party has moved to a position of not wanting to debate the issue at all.

“We in New Zealand First believe that the issue is of such importance to require it to be urgently addressed by the House. Unfortunately National do not, which must make everyone wonder about their real intentions on strategic asset sales,” concluded Mr Peters.

ENDS

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