Peters Stands Against Airport Bid

NZ First leader Winston Peters is leading the charge against a foreign takeover bid for Auckland International Airport.

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, a consortium of aviation and property investors from the Emirate, says it will pay $2.6 billion to buy between 51 per cent and 60% of New Zealand’s gateway airport.

Shareholders were offered $3.80 a share — 55% higher than early May’s share price.

Critics said the deal would put key tourism infrastructure and attractions in foreign hands. Seven out of 10 overseas visitors arriving in New Zealand travel through Auckland’s airport.

NZ First, the Greens and Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis all lined up against the deal yesterday. Peters urged shareholders to reject the deal, which he said would result in profits being sent overseas. Auckland Airport had been a highly successful company since being privatised in 1998.

Saga not over C1

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