Megan Woods took her bid for the mayoralty into arch-rival Bob
Parker-territory yesterday, when she announced 2021's policy on
asset sales in
Lyttelton.
Aboard the Tug Lyttelton, Dr Woods said a 2021-led city council
would "protect the family silver", keeping ratepayer-owned
assets like the port, Christchurch Airport, Red Bus Company and
City Care in city council ownership.
But she deflected any possible hint the trip to the port was
to also give Cr Parker a blood nose.
The race to fill Garry Moore's mayoral office has so far been
sedate.
"It s a political campaign and it's right across Christchurch.
Bob is more than welcome to come and campaign where I live in
Spreydon," she said.
"It (the port) is a highly symbolic site as it was one of
the assets that was put at risk in the current (city council)
term." Last year the city council's investment arm CCHL attempted
to sell a 49.9% shareholding in Port of Lyttelton to Hong Kong
port giant Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH).
Public pressure and protest led to a major U-turn by CCHL.
Cr Parker who was mayor of Banks Peninsula at the time, and now
represents Banks Peninsula on the city council, said he would
have voted in the interest of the community on the port issue.
"I would not consider the sale of any strategic asset unless
directed to do so by the community, in fact it makes no sense
for the community to part with any asset that is producing a solid
return in the form of a rate reducing income," he said.
"However, a responsible council must be prepared to robustly
examine all of its commercial assets from time to time to ensure
that they represent continuing value to all citizens.
"For me certain types of assets have an even 'deeper' social
and historic strategic value - our airport, port and the land
it is built on, public wharf structures around the city and peninsula,
recreational reserves and publicly owned heritage buildings are
legacy items - in my opinion they are not for sale."
Dr Woods said assets like the port help to keep rates down and
any short-term financial gain from their sale would be detrimental
to the city's future.
"The income stream from the publicly owned companies contributes
over $30m a year to the council's coffers, this helps to keep
our rates down by 15%-plus each year.
"As well, returns of capital and special dividends to the
council of over $450m over the last 11 years has provided money
for council to fund other projects. If we sell these assets this
money will need to come from somewhere - and that will be the
ratepayer," she said.
For further comment contact:
Megan Woods - 2021 Candidate for Mayor
Mobile: 027 669 0457
Email: megan@megan4mayor.com
