Auckland Public Opinion Would Ground Airport Sale

25 July 2007

For immediate release

Auckland Public Opinion Would Ground Airport Sale

If public opinion carries any influence, then a sale of council shares in Auckland International Airport will be grounded before the proposal has time to take off.

A UMR Research opinion poll shows overwhelming opposition to the sale of Auckland City and Manukau City councils’ shares in their airport with 84% of Aucklanders saying they want the shares to stay in public ownership even if the sale price is attractive.

Opposition to the sale is just as strong around the country with 84% opposed to the sale nationwide.

The poll was conducted at the time a Canadian Pension Fund had expressed an interest in taking over the airport.

“Opposition will almost certainly be just as strong now with the latest proposal put forward by Dubai Aerospace,” said UMR Director Tim Grafton.

The poll of 750 adults aged 18 years was conducted between 21-26 June and has a + 3.6% margin of error. It asked:

“As you may be aware a Canadian Pension Fund is bidding to takeover the Auckland International Airport. Auckland City Council owns almost 13 percent and Manukau City Council 10 percent of the airport. Do you think the councils should sell their shares if the price is attractive or do you think this combined 23 percent share should remain in public ownership?”

ENDS

See... Auckland International Airport - Potential Canadian Take-over [Omnibus Results] (PDF)

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