Craig Reveals Another 'Crafer Farm' Deal
EMBARGOED UNTIL 2pm August 1st, 2014.

Today while speaking at Hastings Grey Power, Conservative Party leader Colin Craig revealed the second biggest foreign acquisition of New Zealand land is underway but being kept secret.

"Pengxin, the same Chinese company that bought Crafar farms has now signed up to purchase Lochinver Station," says Craig "and this is a matter that voters will want to know about before the election."

“Although the deal has been agreed between the parties, and the Overseas Investment Office have recieved an application, the deal has not been disclosed to the public, says Mr Craig. "We believe voters should be aware of what's going on behind closed doors, this is clearly an election issue."

Mr Craig announced that the Conservative Party will oppose all substantial land sales to foreign business interests. “We will be changing the criteria of the Overseas Investment Office so that our country is not sold up” says Mr Craig, "it's time to take down the ‘for sale’ sign on New Zealand."

“The National party waved through the Crafar Farms deal against our national interests and doubtless will do the same with Lochinver station. A vote for National this election is a vote to continue selling up our country to foreign business interests. We are standing up for Kiwis who want this country to remain New Zealand owned,” says Mr Craig.

Mr Craig said he “supported alternative approaches such as joint ventures and leasing options. We can do business without selling our soul."

Mr Craig also fired a shot at the Prime Minister for his previous comment that New Zealanders shouldn’t be concerned about Chinese land acquisitions, and Key’s suggestion that New Zealanders buy land in China. “The PM needs to realise that New Zealanders can’t buy land in China because the Chinese aren’t naïve enough to sell it. It’s time to get commercially smart, land is a truly scarce resource, and the future prosperity and well-being of New Zealanders should not be for sale.”

ENDS

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