Peters slams sale of NZ assets

One of New Zealand's longest serving politicians and leader of New Zealand First, Winston Peters, entertained people in the City Focus yesterday with a rousing speech. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua's economy hasn't grown in more than 30 years due to foreign ownership of the region's assets and won't grow unless Rotorua gets them back - according to Winston Peters.

The evergreen politician had not lost any of his bite taking potshots at all of the major and minor parties, firing up an enthusiastic crowd of about 150 people in the City Focus yesterday.

He was introduced by Rotorua's New Zealand First candidate Fletcher Tabuteau who spoke about the Government's "secret deals" during its Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiations, and asset sales.

"We don't want to sell our assets to foreigners, no matter where they are from.

"It's about New Zealand owning New Zealand ... you can't buy one inch of land in China," he said.

Mr Peters' main focus was also the sale of the country's assets - land, businesses, banks, media and insurance companies - to overseas interests.

He said once upon a time Rotorua, Murupara, Tokoroa, Whakatane and the wider Bay of Plenty were booming, but decades of sales of timber industry assets to foreign owners had seen the industry's profits head overseas - just like the banks and insurance companies.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters (left) and Rotorua candidate Fletcher Tabuteau chat with Rotorua's Sue Mackay. Photo / Stephen Parker

"Remember, stagnant growth means higher rates.

"The National Party say they are "working for New Zealand" but they're not - they're working for their mates.

"It's nonsense to hear we have a "rock-star economy", it's only a rock-star economy for those at the top."

The old dog could certainly teach some of the country's political candidates a trick or two about how to engage with their audience using a Mana Party heckler to turn on the party's German backer.

"You mean Mana Deutschland, what sort of Maori party is that?

"Financed by a German who shouldn't even be here.

"It's an absolute abomination to the word 'mana', he's turning our election into a joke," Mr Peters said.

"This is going to be a tough election but there are a lot of pretenders out there.

"Use your party vote and get Fletcher [Tabuteau] into Parliament as well, he's a real voice for Rotorua and a man with the right qualifications."