By Samantha Hayes
More than 1000 have marched in Dunedin to voice their opposition to the Government's planned asset sales.
But Prime Minister John Key says his mixed ownership model is "edgy" and he's prepared to take an even greater hit in the polls.
The protest was organised by Grey Power, but young and old braved a freezing Dunedin morning to rally against the Government's asset sales.
Older protesters said they wanted to prevent history repeating.
“I was around when the first lot happened and it was a disaster then,” says protester Mike Tymons. “They're selling our future.”
Bolstered by the Government's back-down on teacher cuts and larger class sizes, Grey Power vowed to continue fighting.
“I think we can make a difference,” says Grey Power Otago president Jo Millar. “Look what has happened – he has done U-turns on two or three other things. I'm quite sure if there's enough pressure coming on he'll do a U-turn on this as well.”
But the $50-million man is pushing on with the partial sale of four state-owned energy companies and Air New Zealand, and says he's prepared for his popularity to take a further hit.
“The polls have eased back a little bit, we all accept that,” says Prime Minister John Key. “They may even ease back a bit more over the next six months. That's because the Government is doing some things that are edgy, the mixed ownership model, and there are lots of challenges out there.”
The Greens and Labour say it's time he listened to New Zealanders, especially Grey Power, who are telling him not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
3 News