Len Brown economical with the truth again
[I]n a statement today, Len Brown reaffirmed that Auckland would not be selling off its strategic assets – the port and its airport shares.
“One of the biggest pressures we face is the costs around the amalgamation of Auckland Council, and that is a cost imposed on Auckland by the Government.
“Our core strategic assets will not be sold. Generations of Aucklanders have invested in them and they want them retained in public ownership. They bring in tens of millions of dollars a year, taking pressure off rates. Past assets sales have delivered very poor results. We do not intend going down that path,” he said.
But Auckland Council was considering the sale of non-strategic assets such as property, which could provide as much as $400 million dollars in revenue for ratepayers, he said.
The mayors press release is a load of rubbish.
Generations of Aucklanders have not invested in the Airport. One generation of ratepayers as I understand it guaranteed any losses when the airport shifted from Whenuapai to Mangere. I do not believe actual cash was invested but it was to create a benefit for Auckland. Having created the benefit why do we not move on and use the Airport funds to create other benefits. No problem selling one lot of family silver if you buy some other family silver.
We have the benefit of the Airport for growth etc whether the ratepayers own it or not.
Some one should ask Len Brown to specify exactly which generations have invested in the Airport and the Port.

