The Green Party is seeking clarity from the Prime Minister regarding the government’s stance on privatisation. They have accused the Prime Minister of hinting at the possibility of privatising public services and assets, despite earlier claims that it was not part of the agenda.
During Question Time on 22 October, Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick raised concerns about the under-funding of critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and ferries, suggesting that it could lead to a future sell-off of these essential assets. In response, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon denied any plans for asset sales.
However, Swarbrick noted a shift in the Prime Minister’s language, pointing out euphemisms like ‘international investment’ being used in discussions about potential privatisation of public infrastructure.
In his recent state of the nation speech, Luxon introduced the Invest New Zealand initiative aimed at attracting foreign investment in key sectors like transport, energy, and manufacturing. Meanwhile, ACT leader David Seymour advocated for a reconsideration of privatisation, prompting Luxon to express openness to future discussions on asset sales.
Swarbrick has written to the Prime Minister seeking clarification on the government’s intentions and urging a commitment to keeping public services and infrastructure under public ownership.
Concerns have been raised about the long-term costs of privatisation, with Swarbrick cautioning against following the path of healthcare in the United States. The Minister for Economic Growth, Nicola Willis, emphasized the government’s role in managing assets for the benefit of New Zealanders.
While acknowledging the private sector’s contribution to certain industries, Willis highlighted the importance of ensuring value for money in infrastructure projects. The Treasury is actively reviewing government-owned assets to improve efficiency and explore potential partnerships with the private sector.
Overall, the debate surrounding privatisation and public ownership continues to evolve, with stakeholders advocating for a balanced approach to asset management and economic growth.
