Airport Shares for Unsettled Auckland Interests

Media Statement

Waikato-Tainui is seeking a sizable share of any Auckland Airport shares that are put up for sale as Auckland Council looks to balance its books to meet the future needs of its ratepayers.

Executive Chair Tukoroirangi Morgan says Waikato-Tainui have outstanding Treaty of Waitangi claims in the Auckland region particularly around Mangere.

This latest sell-off proposal he says, “presents a significant opportunity for the government to purchase the shares and utilise them to settle our remaining claims in the area.

“Waikato-Tainui are the perfect investors because it means the land and assets associated with the Auckland Airport will remain in NZ ownership in perpetuity,” he says.

Waikato-Tainui have significant property investments around the Auckland airport including the Novotel International and the new 5-star Te Arikinui Pullman hotel which is due for completion later this year.

Tuku says this commitment positions Waikato-Tainui well as a responsible investor and owner of nationally significant assets at a time when our tourism industry in rebounding from 2-3 years of disruption.

“This purchase will also relieve the government of a long drawn out settlement negotiation process. At the end of the day we are ready for the conversation and will be seeking urgency to discuss the detail with government ministers over the next couple of weeks,” says Tuku.

Contact
Jason Ake
0272010061