Decision On Auckland Airport Out By Friday

According to an article in today's NZ Herald by Brian Gaynor. Gaynor gives a good oversight of the issues including:

• the fact that if Ministers say no AIA shareholders will lose $600 million;
• that the airport was first sold by Winston Peters;
• The Government's asset sale strategy has been totally inconsistent and confusing and Auckland Airport is another addition to this sorry tale;
• It is extremely cynical for the Crown to sell its AIA shareholding - with the stated objective to maximise its returns - without giving any indication that it was a strategic asset, but when public shareholders try to maximise their returns regulations are introduced to deem it a strategic company;
• Why is the Government signing Free Trade Agreements, including one with China, when they contain agreements to encourage investments that may be in conflict with the political view of the AIA sale? New Zealand wants more favourable treatment for its dairy products, meat, wool and kiwifruit from China but what will happen if the Chinese want to buy New Zealand land in return? Will the OIO and ministers give a more favourable response to the Chinese than the Canadians because of the Free Trade Agreement?