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

BNZ unfazed by surcharge ban amid Payap push
Finance

BNZ unfazed by surcharge ban amid Payap push

BNZ says its 'Swerve the surcharge' ads were planned ahead of the ban.

ComCom taking Westpac to court over CCCFA breach
Finance

ComCom taking Westpac to court over CCCFA breach

More than 14,000 Westpac customers affected by CCCFA breach, ComCom said.

Garth Bray 25 Aug 2025
Stop raising bank capital ratios now, says competition report
Finance

Stop raising bank capital ratios now, says competition report

Select committee recommends an immediate end to increasing capital ratios. 

Pattrick Smellie 22 Aug 2025