A stampede of local government asset sale proposals

A stampede of local government asset sale proposals
Auckland's port - seed capital for a local government sovereign fund? (Image: Supplied)
Pattrick Smellie
Put together these two magical ingredients – a centre-right government and a local government sector groaning under high debt and impossible rates increases – and what do you get?By the looks of things, a rash of either attempted or actual partial privatisations of local government-controlled businesses.Less than a month into the new government’s term, city and regional councils representing the bulk of the New Zealand population have begun talking about asset disposal to fund future public needs.Look at the evidence.Announcem...

More Finance

Kiwibank wary of capital-review barrier to growth
Finance

Kiwibank wary of capital-review barrier to growth

Kiwibank raises issues of competitive advantage.

Andy Macdonald 24 Oct 2025
Heartland Group’s Q1 trading solid, not without challenges
Finance

Heartland Group’s Q1 trading solid, not without challenges

Heartland Group reports solid Q1 performance as NZ business conditions challenging.

Staff reporters 24 Oct 2025
Kiwibank eyes a fairer fight with the Aussie big four
Finance

Kiwibank eyes a fairer fight with the Aussie big four

Kiwibank, partway through a $500m capital hike, sells growth and culture stories.

Andy Macdonald 23 Oct 2025
FNZ case adds plaintiffs in latest legal twist
Finance

FNZ case adds plaintiffs in latest legal twist

Employee shareholders at FNZ are using a second entity.

Victoria Young 22 Oct 2025