Rally opposes Govt move to sell assets

A rally in Napier on Saturday drew more than 200 people protesting the Government’s sale of State assets and the selling off of Maraenui State-owned houses.

Placards were brandished by many who left Memorial Square at noon and chanted their way to the Sound Shell in Marine Parade to hear speeches from Labour’s State-owned enterprises spokesman Clayton Cosgrove and representatives from the Green Party and Grey Power. The Government’s controversial Mixed Ownership Model Bill passed through Parliament last week by one vote, paving the way for the partial sale of four State-owned energy companies.

Napier City Council member Maxine Boag said a ‘‘broad spectrum’’ of people was involved, protesting the ‘‘ savage price increases that we’re already experiencing’’ and how they were ‘‘only going to get worse when you privatise power companies’’.

‘‘That was an opportunity really for us to take a stand and speak out, and I think the community responded very positively,’’ she said. ‘‘The strength of the march was in its diversity. There was quite a wide range of people from the community.

‘‘ They’re selling publicly owned assets. State houses come under that as well. These things should stay in the hands of the people because as soon as they’re privatised, it’s going to cost us a whole lot more money.’’

Tu Tangata Maraenui also joined in the march. Spokes- woman Debbie Stubbs said the group supported the protest and its wider goal, and wanted the community’s concerns to be ‘‘heard and addressed’’.

‘‘That really was a platform so that people can hear what is happening in our community, and [it] was supporting the Grey Power stance in keeping New Zealand,’’ she said. ‘‘Don’t sell New Zealand off.’’

The loss of Housing New Zealand properties was a concern, but also there had been little consultation with the community. ‘‘Potential developers are probably charging market rents and because Maraenui is a low socioeconomic area there are a lot of families that can’t afford those market rents. In Maraenui we should be informed and consulted before they take further action.’’