Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

New dodgy deal revealed in Cabinet paper

New dodgy deal revealed in Cabinet paper

New information shows the Government did a second dubious deal with a disgruntled Saudi businessman who was blocking progress on the Gulf States Free Trade Agreement (FTA), says the Green Party today.

A Cabinet paper released today reveals the Government spent additional $4 million purchasing genetic development, logistical, supply chain and market connections from the Saudi businessman’s farm after he was annoyed about New Zealand stopping live sheep export for slaughter.

“It would seem taxpayers’ money was used to in a very questionable manner. It appears the Government is trying to buy off this businessman to get a deal,” said Green Party trade spokesperson James Shaw.

“Previous governments resisted caving into the demands of a foreign government and John Key should have resisted the temptation to buy international diplomacy.

“The National Government paid an over $4 million dollars, on top of the $7.5 million for the farm in the middle of the desert, to buy out the Saudi businessman’s interests in New Zealand; if that is not a dodgy deal, I don’t know what is.

“The Cabinet paper makes it very clear the Saudis wanted the businessman placated before they went further on the FTA. It was unethical of the Government to cave into pressure.

“New Zealanders don’t want us to bend and break rules, and pay off rich businessman to push through an unethical trade deal.

“The Green Party wants full disclosure of the tender process for the farm and all other perks and benefits that the National Government gave out to try and secure a trade deal; which they have so far failed to do,” said Mr Shaw.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.