Media Release
13 May 2004

Urgent Airport Probe Called By Peters

New Zealand First is calling for an inquiry into the sale of Paraparaumu Airport in 1995 to establish why proper procedures were not followed by the then National Government.

Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters today asked the Transport Minister if he would act on the report by the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee into the matter, which contained the recommendation for an inquiry.

“The circumstances of the sale appear to have been seriously flawed and it requires a full government inquiry to find out who was responsible.

“There is evidence of bureaucratic bungling and conflicts of interest in the sale process.

“The airport was sold at less than market value and without safeguards for its future operation.

“As well, Crown owned land that was recognised as being the subject of a genuine Treaty claim was sold. It had been taken from local Maori under the Public Works Act and not offered back.

“This airport sale was a National Party disgrace and the Government must act now with a full inquiry to achieve some natural justice,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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