What do you think of the Asset Sales by the National Government?

No I am not in agreement.

John Key is not correct by saying they have a mandate to sell because the nation voted National to win the election. You don't have to agree with every single policy to vote for a particular party.

If it goes ahead the sale to "Mum and Dad" investors is also father flawed. It sounds very idyllic to give every NZer the chance to own shares but is that going to achieve the required result. The purpose is to get some money in and is it not better to bring in "new" money from abroad. If it comes from within NZ it is only going to starve other things like Kiwisaver, other NZ public companies, investment funds and general spending etc. Better not to sell at all -- retain them as cornerstone assets. Let these state owned companies build up and become major players on the world energy scene. I am generally a National supporter but sorry not on this one -- and I am not alone here.

Wow -- just had a 4.0 rattle thru' Chch -- another 4.0 yesterday too, both centred quite shallow under New Brighton. Just letting us know they are still around !! Bit scary for construction and demolition workers !

This issue was debated in Canada about a generation ago. Canada has a similar history of being part of the British Commonwealth with high levels of government ownership of "essential services."

The problem with government ownership of industries and services is that they tend to grow more inefficient over time. Worse they tend to be captured by special interests such a labour unions. Workers in these government owned companies tend to not work very hard, but be be highly paid, and have generous pensions — all at the expense of taxpayers who don't earn as much.

Sometimes, reasons for continuing government ownership outweigh efficiency issues, but not very often.

It also depends on what is done with the proceed of sale of government-owned assets. If it's used wisely, the taxpayer wins. If the money is used to support continued stupid spending, the taxpayer loses.

I grew up on Wigram Airforce Base in Christchurch. A lot of people wouldn't even know it ever existed now as oh my --no surprise it was closed down and sold. Its a housing development now. I had no idea the NZ Government had anything LEFT to sell. As far back as I can remember the news has been Government selling this or that or the other. You mean there is actually something left? Whatever it is wont be worth much, they sold off just about everything years ago. And why? Because they are bloody useless , that's why. If ANY Government or party was any good and had any decent policies why would there be any need to sell sell sell? If they did what they are getting way over paid for--manage New Zealand the taxpayer might still have some assets. But being the useless bums they are, hopeless managers, the only thing they can do is keep selling to pay for their own bad management. What --may I ask will happen when ALL the assets are gone and we need money then? Nothing left to sell. What do you do then ? Our grand kids are going to have it tough , not good as the twits we keep electing are not doing their job of propping NZ up but selling it off to the highest bidder to cover their failed financial uselessness.

Wake up Kiwis. You will soon when some Chinaman or Japanese or any of dozens of other foreigners walks up and tells you to piss off as your land, house and job are now his.

I am 100% against the asset sales. That is one reason why I didn't vote for them in the general election.

Clinton additionally made a center-type tax decrease a substantial area of his financial plan. we've been given a tax boost relatively. So, whilst he could make the declare, i do no longer think of he ought to ever furnish it. and that i do no longer think of a Democrat Congress ought to ever approve it. regardless of each and every and each little thing, why wait? Why no longer make the present center-type (and under) tax fees eternal NOW? i ought to wager if Pelosi and Reid located that on Bush's table, he'd sign it into regulation on the instant. Why wait? the only reason I see is via the very fact they haven't any objective of delivering it. I do have self conception him, besides the very shown fact that, whilst he supplies to augment the taxes on capital good factors and businesses and dividends, which will in basic words injury the financial equipment, and it additionally fees center-type human beings via utilising reducing their pension and 401k earnings . and that i do have self conception him whilst he says he will do away with the decrease on Social secure practices payroll taxes, forcing extreme earners to pay extra suitable into the SS kit than they are going to ever acquire. that's in basic terms extra suitable type conflict via utilising the socialists. The Bush tax cuts will expire, and we are able to all have a tax boost.

Mr Key is adamant - that's why NZers put him into power he says, there's no question of it...can they be bought back though? I don't know, but I wouldn't think so, or is he right, do we even need them??

It has to happen unfortunately because of our economy. I'm 50-50, can't make up my mind whether to support it or be against it

They must be necessary to keep afloat

I am not happy with it at all, that's why I am living in the USA.... I have an aunt a 3 cousins living there, My sister lives in Australia, I have been to Australia many times... how about you?