China vs Canada
April 9th, 2008 at 8:05 am by David FarrarBen Thomas in the NBR takes a look at the double standards when you look at the China FTA (which I support and Govt does) and the Canadian proposal to purchase some shares off existing private owners in Auckland International Airport, with a maximum 25% voting strength (which I support, but the Govt will turn down):
There’s one footnote to FTA. The two internationalists, Clark and Goff, know that back in New Zealand, there are politicians who are less expansive in their views on free trade and other cultures.
They are ready to stir up xenophobia to take advantage of the electorate’s insecurities, and boost their polling chances.
Your correspondent refers, of course, to Michael Cullen. The finance minister this week will be waiting with baited breath for the decision of his junior ministers (David Parker and Clayton Cosgrove) on whether the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board can buy 39.5 per cent of Auckland International Airport shares.
Cullen was the driving force – or at least, the public face – of government opposition to the possibility of the Canadians acquiring a “strategic asset” like the airport.
He fronted the decision to amend the Overseas Investment Agency’s test to make the Canadians’ bid for 39.5 per cent of the airport (now only 24.9 per cent of votes) more difficult.
Why does Dr Cullen oppose the Canadian deal so vehemently?
Perhaps one concern is Canada’s poor record on human rights: the country only passed entrenched human rights legislation in the late 1970s.
Perhaps it is the Canadians continued oppression of their French-speaking minority, and refusal to grant the outlying province of Quebec greater autonomy.
Or perhaps, to paraphrase Enoch Powell and more latterly New Zealand First’s Peter Brown, Dr Cullen fears that opening the door to Canadian investment will lead to cultural disharmony and “rivers of maple syrup” in the street.
Very good points. The Govt gets full marks for the FTA, but their behaviour over a mere 25% voting strength in what is already a privately owned airport is petty political posturing.
Related posts:
- Government turns down Auckland Airport investment
- Crafty Canadians
- Canadians thank Government
- China FTA Details
April 9th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I’d like rivers of maple syrup. Yum.
Vote:April 9th, 2008 at 9:08 am
It will also be interesting to see whether the stringent investment provisions in the FTA with China make it near impossible for ministers to turn down a Chinese consortium to buy the Airport.
Vote:April 9th, 2008 at 9:16 am
A commie a day keep Liarbour in play !
Vote:April 9th, 2008 at 9:21 am
How about any restrictions on Chinese investment in the wires that run the electricity to your house if you live in Wellington,
Ah what a twisted web we weave…
Vote:April 9th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Double Standards: Government’s No no deal for Canadian interests to purchase Airport shares, but silent on South China Morning Post’s report on an intent to purchase of Vector, Wellington’s electricity grid by Chinese interests for $1 B
Vote:April 9th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
or perhaps the issue with the Airport could be to do with a takeover of our ONLY decent international airport by foreign interests?
No, obviously it’s all about Clark & Cullen wanting to cosy up to those dirty Reds….
Vote:April 9th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I think Cullen has a problem selling Auckland Airport to the Canadians becasue Helen told Owen Glenn he could buy it if he becomes Transport Minister. Either that or Annette King plans to sell it (and Parapaumu Airport) to Peter Hausmann.
Just wait – if Ray Lind suddenly turns up working for Auckland Airport then we know it’s game on!
Vote:April 9th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
cullen just wants to punish hard working tax paying citizens who did as he said and purchased shares instead of buying rental houses.
Why Because he is an arsehole A dog turd on the sole of my shoes.
He doesnt care a jot about those who contribute All he wants to do ius suck up to ‘his people’ the lazy bums who vote for him and his pathetic fellow losers
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