Nothing for Mom ‘n Pop in this MOM Bill

Press Release

MANA Leader Hone Harawira

Tuesday 26 June

“I’m feeling kinda sad right now” said MANA leader Hone Harawira following the passing into legislation of National’s proposal to sell shares in four of New Zealand's power companies and Air New Zealand.

“Sad for the old people who know that privatisation of electricity will force them to turn off their heaters when the power prices go up. Sad for the poor families who will get their power switched off because they can’t afford the price hikes. Sad for the majority of New Zealanders who voted for parties opposed to asset sales only to see National ignore their pleas. And sad to see assets built by our fathers sold off so that private shareholders can get the benefits we should all enjoy.”

“But I’m also really pissed off” said Harawira. “New Zealanders don’t support these asset sales and I’m glad there are people still fighting to overturn this Mixed Ownership Model Act”

“I’m glad Tuwharetoa is considering taking the government to court over water rights. I’m glad the New Zealand Maori Council is seeking a ruling from the Waitangi Tribunal to stop the sale of state assets until the Maori interest in water and geothermal resources have been settled”.

“And I’m glad that Grey Power, the Students’ Associations, the Unions, Labour, the Greens, NZ First, and MANA are committed to getting enough signatures to force a referendum on stopping asset sales”.

“The battle in the house may be over but the fight for our grandchildren’s future continues”.

ENDS

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