Hon David Parker - Minister of Transport

15 November 2005

Airport inquiry report released

Transport Minister David Parker today welcomed the release of the Auditor-General's inquiry report into the sale of Paraparaumu Airport in 1995.

Cabinet last October invited the Auditor-General to inquire into matters related to the sale of the airport. This was in line with one of the recommendations made by the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee after it had considered matters arising from a petition by Ross Sutherland. The Committee published its report in May 2004.

Mr Parker said the Auditor-General's report found that there were shortcomings in the consultation process and mistakes were made during the tender process but that these did not materially affect the outcome.

"It is important to note that the Auditor-General's report found that generally the Ministry followed best practice as it stood at the time," Mr Parker said.

"The report is also clear that there was no evidence of ministerial interference in the sale."

ENDS

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