Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

100 attend Hamilton hui

Updated at 6:31 pm on 8 February 2012

One hundred people have attended a hui in Hamilton, held to consult Maori on the Government's planned partial sale of four state-owned power companies.

The first of 10 hui planned around the country was held in Rotorua on Wednesday morning.

At the Rotorua hui attended by about 500 people Finance Minister Bill English was told that Maori opposed any sale of State assets.

The reception was milder in Hamilton, although some of those who spoke after the minister's presentation expressed concern over asset sales, saying should it happen, they should only be sold to New Zealand interests including iwi.

Mr English told both hui the Govenrment was hoping to gain between $5 billion and $7 billion from the float of up to 49% of the four state-owned companies.

He assured those at the hui that it wasn't the Government's intention to shy away from its Treaty obligations.

Mr English says the mixed ownership model will not affect Maori ownership rights and its interest in water.

Listen to Checkpoint interview with Te Arawa Group Holdings chief executive Roger Pikia

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