“To date, the government had indicated it will be prepared to commit up to $1.035 billion of taxpayers’ money into Air New Zealand, giving it control of 82% of the company and the right to appoint its Board.”

“This is a massive rescue package for the national airline, which many New Zealanders do not begrudge, but, without adequate accountability mechanisms, it effectively amounts to a blank cheque to Air New Zealand.”

“It is simply unacceptable to be committing in excess of $1 billion of public money to any project without adequate accountability mechanisms being put in place.”

“The fact that is Air New Zealand in this instance does not absolve the government of its responsibility to ensure funds it advances on behalf of the tapxpayer are properly spent and accounted for,” he says.

Mr Dunne says he has written to both the Minister of Finance and the Auditor-General seeking a clear statement of the way in which Air New Zealand and the government will be required to account to Parliament for the government’s bail-out investment.

ENDS