Media release
For immediate release

PORT-OWNERS AND BUYERS WILL PICKET CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL, THURSDAY 6 APRIL, 9 A.M.

Representatives of the beneficiary owners and potential buyers of the Lyttelton Port Company - the citizens of Christchurch - will picket the Christchurch City Council meeting this Thursday morning at 9 a.m.

The picket is in support of the Christchurch 2021 petition to be presented at the Council meeting, which calls for full consultation with citizens before any of their assets are put up for sale.

The picket is organised by the pro public ownership coalition, Keep Our Port Public. KOPP spokesperson Christine Dann said that the picket should act as a wake up call to the Council.

''Who gave the Mayor permission to flog off the family silver?'' she asked. ''He needs to consult the family first - and the family is everyone who has a vote in Christchurch city.''

''Christchurch people stand to lose a lot from a sell-off of assets,'' Ms Dann said. ''We want the Council to wake up and represent the public will. That's what they are elected to do.''

KOPP has already asked all councillors whether they support or oppose selling Lyttelton Port Company to Hutchison Port Holdings of Hong Kong, and for their reasons for supporting or opposing the proposed sale. So far only the Mayor has replied.

''It's not good enough,'' Ms Dann said. ''They are responsible for millions of dollars of our money - they need to front up and be accountable for their decisions regarding it.''

ENDS

Keep Our Port Public

http://www.keepourportpublic.org/

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