Occupy Wellington Demands Explanation on Asset Sales

Occupy Wellington are holding a public discussion at Civic Square today at 12pm before walking to Parliament to deliver a letter to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of State Owned Enterprises.

The letter highlights the role of Australian investment bank Lazard, who reportedly stand to make $100m for advising on the sale of the publicly owned assets.

"I'm concerned that the government is making preparations to sell off our assets without any electoral mandate to do so and with the majority of people opposing the proposed sales." says John Maynard, a supporter of Occupy Wellington and President of the Postal Workers Union of Aotearoa Southern District. "We thought we'd send them a letter to ask for an explanation as to how selling states assets will make for a more equitable distribution of wealth".

The group also plan to deliver a letter addressed to Lazard CEO Kenneth M. Jacobs.

The group has invited representatives from both the National Government and Lazard to join a public discussion to explain how the proposed sales will benefit the New Zealand public.

The appointment of Lazard was undertaken in spite of polls indicating that 60-80% of New Zealanders oppose the sale or partial sale of publicly owned assets.

Speakers at the public discussion include Bill Rosenberg, CTU Economist and Director of Policy, and Catholic Priest Gerry Burns President of the Catholic social justice network, Caritas Oceania.

ENDS

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