Hon Jim Anderton

Progressive Party leader

4 November 2008 Media Statement

Anderton to Key: Sign the Kiwibank pledge

National's John Key is being challenged to sign a pledge not to sell Kiwibank, following his comment on a tv debate last night that National won't sell it.

John Key has always refused to sign the pledge, even though every other party in parliament, except Act, agrees with the pledge.

The pledge commits parties not to initiate or support the sale of Kiwibank.

Progressive MP Jim Anderton says National says one thing in public about Kiwibank and then changes its tune behind closed doors.

"What does it mean when National says one thing under pressure in a debate, but won't put the leader's signature to a pledge? It looks like National is leaving enough wiggle room for a flip-flop.

"National squirms from 'we won't sell it in our first term', because it takes time to get a sale together, to we will sell it eventually, to now saying they won't. They can clear up the multiple positions by signing the pledge."

Jim Anderton said he would be sending a copy of the pledge "not to sell Kiwibank" to John Key today, with the expectation he would keep his word and sign it.

"I'll keep the media informed of progress."

ENDS

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