Stop asset sales until people’s voice is heard

The asset sales programme must be halted until after the citizens’ referendum so that all New Zealanders have the right to tell John Key what they think of his SOE sell-off, says Labour’s SOEs spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove.

“New Zealanders overwhelmingly oppose asset sales. Recent polls show over 85 per cent have no interest in buying Meridian shares. They don’t want their assets sold off to private investors and see the money flow offshore.

“John Key has refused to listen to the people. But now all of us can have our say. If he brushes off this referendum it will show New Zealanders just how arrogant he is.

“John Key must respect the democratic process. Over 327,000 Kiwis have called for a referendum. Their voice must be heard.

“All asset sales should be halted until people have their say in the referendum. That includes Meridian, which is set to go on the block.

“This referendum result will be a victory for New Zealanders. It will kick the last leg of the stool out from under John Key’s moral authority.

“We have seen the outcome of asset sales with Mighty River Power. The share price has tanked and over $140 million in dividends is going to private investors.

“The programme is a farce and Kiwis now have the right to tell that to John Key,” says Clayton Cosgrove.

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