17 June 2002

“Grandstanding for election purposes by the Green party’s Rod Donald in publicly promising to buy a private asset, shows a basic misunderstanding of both commercial reality and public policy on transport,” said Jim Anderton.

Jim Anderton said today that electioneering about purchasing the rail corridor, or any other privately-owned asset, is just silly because it bids up the possible cost to taxpayers of any eventual policy.

“The Government is developing an integrated transport strategy and rail will be part of that. We have to consider all factors, including the possibility that regulation might be appropriate. The goal is to ensure reliable and efficient transport in air, road, rail and sea for the overall economic development of New Zealand.”

"Commitment to an integrated transport policy is why the Coalition Government purchased the shares in Air New Zealand, and assisted with the repurchase of the Auckland Rail Corridor. But we did not publicly announce our plans in advance."

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