19 July 2009 Media Statement

Aucklanders should be suspicious of Rodney’s “love” of privatisation

The assets owned by Aucklanders are up for grabs and need to be protected from Rodney Hide’s “love” of privatisation, Labour’s Auckland issues spokesperson Phil Twyford said today.

“The Minister of Local Government has made his intentions clear. He declared this morning the real agenda behind his sledgehammer approach to rush through changes for Auckland governance,” Phil Twyford said.

“Rodney Hide wants to scale back local government to roads, rubbish and water, and force Councils to sell off their assets. We have to act now to save our parks, libraries and pensioner housing.

Phil Twyford has initiated the ‘Not Yours To Sell’ campaign and has written to National MPs in Auckland asking them to support his Bill that will require a referendum to be held before any major assets can be disposed of.

“Aucklanders are concerned that privatisation is beginning to creep into the debate around the super city,” Phil Twyford said.

“Rodney Hide’s declaration this morning of his love for privatisation will only increase their suspicions that the creation of the new Auckland Council will lead to a sell-off of community assets ratepayers have built up over generations.

“Labour stands for a more traditional Kiwi way, with strong communities, where we pay through our rates for high quality services we can all use. Where kids grow up being able to get books out of the library, walk in the park, and learn to swim whether they are rich or poor.

“That is now clearly under threat from a Local Government Minister who is hell bent on enforcing his own right wing agenda on New Zealand’s councils and communities.” Phil Twyford said.

Labour's anti-asset selling campaign is on the web at www.notyourstosell.co.nz

ENDS

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