National Party flags sale of Air NZ and Kiwibank

By AUDREY YOUNG

Air New Zealand and Kiwibank could both be sold for other investment, says National leader Bill English.

And public infrastructure could be privately financed.

Mr English said the billion dollars spent on the bailout of Air New Zealand and the launch of Kiwibank were products of the Prime Minister's political deals with the Alliance.

National would develop a public investment policy based on principle rather than political expediency.

Mr English was speaking yesterday to the Auckland Rotary Club at the National Maritime Museum.

He has already said National would sell Kiwibank.

Now he has added Air New Zealand as a sale prospect.

"We would sell Air New Zealand or the 'People's Bank' in order to make new investments in the future, rather than trying to recreate the past.

"It is the only practical choice because it is the job of Government to invest where no one else will, like defence.

"Carrying our share of the defence burden as we must will be expensive and we need to look at all the financing options."

National would also consider financing partnerships between the public and private sector.

The public sector was capable of getting the benefit of private finance for public infrastructure.

"Imagine if the billion dollars just spent on Air New Zealand and the 'People's Bank' could have been invested in fixing infrastructure in this city.

"This left-wing Government is running loose with hard-earned taxes and debt. It should make you sweat.

"A new National government will actively manage the taxpayers' assets to ensure they contribute to growth rather than being the fodder of political deals with minor parties."

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