Rt Hon Winston Peters

New Zealand First Leader

Member of Parliament for Northland
3 AUGUST 2015

Management/Worker Takeover Only Sensible Solution for Tiwai

New Zealand First believes a management/worker takeover of the Bluff aluminium smelter at Tiwai is the only sensible and long term solution.

“The smelter, which Rio Tinto has had on the market, has an uncertain future, is a recipient of huge state support now, and if they can’t make a go of it then New Zealand First believes that the management and workers certainly can,” says New Zealand First Leader and Member of Parliament for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“The difference will be that a New Zealand management and worker operation will justify the huge hydro energy subsidies this operation is getting now.

“The Tiwai Point smelter produces the world’s highest grade aluminium, used for aircraft components and semi-conductors. It is one of the cleanest smelters on the planet because it runs on hydroelectricity.

“This is exactly the sort of investment that responsible governments should be encouraging,” says Mr Peters.

New Zealand First MP Ria Bond, based in Invercargill, says the plant is vital to the Southland economy.

“The National Government and its local MPs are doing nothing about its future.

“New Zealand First will look out for the regions, and try and find solutions to support a strong economic future,” says Ms Bond.

ENDS

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