Grey Power and CTU Media Release

6 March 2012

Campaign calls for Referendum on Asset Sales

A campaign comprising a wide range of community organisations are calling for a citizens initiated referendum on asset sales today.

Concerned that New Zealanders haven’t had a chance to voice their concerns about selling our state owned assets (SOEs), the campaign is seeking to get enough petition signatures to hold a referendum on the issue.

“Voters need the chance to have a direct say in whether they think the Government should sell our assets,” said Campaign Spokesperson and Grey Power President, Roy Reid.

“The Government does not have the mandate to sell our strategic assets and it is time the public had their say,” said fellow Campaign Spokesperson and CTU President, Helen Kelly.

The campaign will actively engage the public to seek support for a citizens initiated referendum on the following question:

Do you support the Government selling up to 49% of Meridian Energy, Mighty River Power, Genesis Power, Solid Energy and Air NZ?

The petition question aims to be as close to the Government’s policy as possible to determine whether the Government has the mandate or not to sell off New Zealand’s SOEs.

The Clerk of the House of Representatives will consult the public on the wording of the petition before the wording is finalised and ready for collecting signatures.

“It is vital all New Zealanders get to have their say on the issue of asset sales. Once they are sold, they are gone for good. Partial privatisation will inevitably result in foreign ownership with the profits disappearing overseas” said Mr Reid.

ENDS

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