Submission
Which option do you prefer?
Further comment
I do not prefer either option - the consultation document sets up a false comparison. More information should be given about partial sale rather than be dismissed in a paragraph - if NZ Government finds it advantageous to continue to own 51% of energy companies and AirNZ, that structure must have advantages. Generally I do not support complete divestment of public assets because one looses control of important assets. Assets can be targeted for asset stripping and loading up with debt. We have seen this in NZ in the case of Kiwi Rail in NZ - assets stripped and then repurchased by NZ Government. And if we look at Thames Water in the UK for example, the UK Government may have to step back in the company having been loaded with debt and failing to meet environmental standards. The rail companies in the UK are falling over one by one. Of course I do not live in an area covered by Aurora however I do note that my lines charges are considerably higher then those of Aurora, this may tend to indicate that there has been under investment in the Company via the DCHL vehicle and may in fact mean that the full value expected may not be received from the market. Again a half way solution should be more adequately set out before any sale is proceeded with.
Supporting information
No associated documents with this submission.
Submitter
Submission id number: 1044769
Submitter name:
NICHOLAS SARGENT
Organisation