Government Must Secure Auckland Airport in Permanent Public Ownership

Elaine West, Auckland City Mayoral Candidate said,

“Central Government must step up to the mark and secure Auckland Airport for New Zealanders for all time.

Voters want it and Auckland City Council supports the public call but can’t do it.

The nation’s strategic assets - our airports, ports, water, roads, energy systems etc – are all at risk of foreign takeover.

It’s just a matter of time.

The only way to secure New Zealand’s strategic assets is for central Government to introduce tougher, tighter laws with the intention of stopping foreign takeovers.

The whole legal framework for securing our key assets is full of loopholes that fall far short of proper protection.

That’s why Auckland Airport is still at risk of being sold to foreign interests against the overwhelming wish of Aucklanders.

And that’s why it’s time for Aucklanders to take a step forward and tell central Government in a clear statement to:

* permanently secure under law - Auckland Airport and other key assets in New Zealand hands.

If we want to preserve our nation’s strategic assets for future generations then we must accept our responsibility and take fast action.

And we can do this by writing a short clear submission to the Overseas Investment Office at www.oio.linz.govt.nz and to our Prime Minister and Members of Parliament.”

Elaine West was moved to make this comment after the recent Auckland City Council meeting where despite massive public opposition to the sale of Auckland Airport there was still considerable doubt that the Airport shares would remain in public hands in the long term.

Her new website address is: Â www.elainewest.com

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