Aotearoa is Not For Sale Nelson

Sunday 21 April 2013

Power to the People

Local community activists are organising a march in Nelson on Saturday 27th April to continue mounting pressure against the Government’s unpopular plans to privatise state-owned assets.

Aotearoa is Not For Sale Nelson spokesperson Rachel Boyack said the event is timed to coincide with actions nationwide.

Rachel Boyack says that many New Zealanders are frustrated at the Government’s arrogant failure to listen to the overwhelming majority who oppose asset sales, including the 400,000 who signed a petition for a referendum on the issue.  “In Nelson alone, over 10,000 people signed the petition for a referendum and there is significant frustration that the Government has failed to listen to their voices.”

Polls have consistently shown that at least 60 per cent of voters oppose the sales.  The majority of New Zealanders did not vote for parties who support asset sales.  The Government does not have a mandate and should halt the sale immediately.  “The lack of democracy surrounding the Government’s asset-sales plan reflects a growing trend from this Government that shows disdain for democratic processes.” 

Marchers will meet at Millers Acre at 12pm, and proceed up Trafalgar St to the 1903 site, where speakers from Nelson and Tasman will address the protestors.  Confirmed speakers include Grey Power President Roy Reid, who sponsored the petition for a referendum, Labour Party MPs Maryan Street and Damien O’Connor, Green Party MP Spokesperson Aaryn Barlow and Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa (CAFCA) spokesperson Jenese James. 

Rachel Boyack says “We will be asking speakers to outline their solutions to the Government’s plans to sell Mighty River Power as well as other state-owned assets”. More speakers will be confirmed closer to the event.  Local entertainers will also be involved to give the rally a community feel that reflects the Nelson Tasman region.

Members of the public are encouraged to march on Saturday to make their voices heard.  “We are hoping for a large crowd to send a strong message to the John Key-led Government that New Zealanders are not willing to roll over and let these assets be sold from under us.”

ENDS

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