13 July 2009
Media Statement

Aucklanders show overwhelming support for keeping assets in public hands

Poll results tabled by North Shore City at the super city select committee show high levels of support for keeping assets in public hands, says Labour's Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford.

Phil Twyford said his member's bill protecting community assets from sale by the new super city had been pulled from the ballot and was due for a first reading in three weeks.

“North Shore City’s Colmar Brunton poll of 800 residents showed 89% agree the supply of water should remain in public council ownership and not be privatised and 85% agreed that publicly owned strategic community assets such as the port and the Auckland Airport should remain in public council ownership under the new super city.

"Those figures should echo around the city as a resounding endorsement of Labour's campaign to ensure Auckland's community assets are protected from privatisation under the super city.

"Mayor Williams spoke strongly on the public's desire to keep assets in public ownership. He said water was liquid gold, and all over the world water privatisation had caused huge problems. He said privatisation of Auckland's ports would undermine efforts to open up the waterfront to public access; and that important infrastructure assets like the Auckland Airport could deliver a revenue stream that could go back to help the community."

Phil Twyford said he was urging the public to write to their local National MP asking them to vote for his bill.

More information on Labour's campaign to protect Auckland assets is available at www.notyourstosell.co.nz

ENDS

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