Protestors outside Toll Stadium | Northland News | Local News in Northland

A small group of protestors were outside Toll Stadium this morning as Finance Minister Bill English and State Owned Enterprises Minister Tony Ryall consulted with local iwi.

The Government recently announced a series of hui to consult with Maori on legislative changes it considers are necessary for the float of minority shareholdings in four State Owned Enterprises to New Zealanders.

Mr English and Mr  Ryall will lead the February consultation process with iwi around the country, which will be facilitated by Sir Wira Gardiner.

The politicians arrived at Toll Stadium about 9.30am and very quickly the gathering of about 20 protestors began voicing their opinion over a loud hailer.

Police were outside the stadium watching the gathering but it was a line of security guards who were holding  the group back from the main door.

The Government is also seeking written submissions through a consultation document on its proposal to remove Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy, Mighty River Power and Solid Energy from the SOE Act and put them under new legislation that ensures the Government retains at least 51 per cent ownership and other individual shareholdings are limited to 10 per cent, Mr English said.

"We promised to talk with iwi when we originally announced plans to partially sell the four energy companies and Air New Zealand last year, Mr English said. We want to understand Maori views before we take final decisions.

Mr Ryall said the consultation will not cover specific investment opportunities, but iwi investment on a commercial basis will be welcomed.

"The Government has promised all New Zealand investors they will be at the front of the queue for shares."

Mr English said the five partial share floats will free up billions of dollars for investment in schools, hospitals and public infrastructure and help ensure New Zealand avoids the kind of debt crisis faced by Europe.

The consultation document, together with information on how to make written submissions, will be available from 1 February 2012 at: www.treasury.govt.nz/mixed-ownership-consultation

The deadline for receipt of submissions is 5pm on 22 February 2012.

The schedule for hui is:

8 February 10.00am Distinction Rotorua Rotorua

8 February 3.00pm Waikato Stadium Hamilton

9 February 3.00pm Whanganui Racecourse Whanganui

10 February 9.30am Toll Stadium Whangarei

10 February 3.30pm Novotel Auckland Airport Auckland

14 February 10.00am Waihopai Runaka Murihiku Marae Invercargill

14 February 4.00pm Chateau on the Park Christchurch

15 February 10.00am Emerald Hotel Gisborne

15 February 3.30pm Te Puni Kokiri Wellington