We've hit a raw nerve!

With over 80% of Aucklanders strongly against any privatisation of Auckland City’s airport shares, it is no wonder that our posting about the pro-privatisation credentials of C&R has hit a raw nerve.

C&R candidate Aaron Bhatnagar, has tried to have a dig at City Vision’s position on this issue, while skillfully ignoring the actual issue at hand - which is C&R’s history of, and support for privatisation.

Mr Bhatnagar sets up a straw man by arguing that:

"no sell down or complete sale of the shares is possible with any proposed restructure”

This ignores the point originally made by City Vision Talk. That point is simply that a future C&R Council could change the city’s long-term plan to allow for the shares to be sold. Mr Bhatnagar’s C&R colleague Cr Scott Milne has himself pointed out that the next council might need to consider its position on future bids, stating that:

“there was nothing to stop potential buyers coming back with offers for the airport shares, but the council would have to consult ratepayers again” (NZ Herald, September 3)

City Vision Talk’s point is simple. Given their history (they sold half the shares in 2002) and their belief in privatisation, there is a real chance that a future C&R Council will try to sell the shares. City Vision will not. Only a vote for City Vision will secure the airport shares in public ownership.