'Should put their money where their mouth is' - Shane Jones continues spat with Air NZ over regional services

March 20, 2018

The NZ First MP believes he is building a "chorus of support" over the issue.

NZ First MP Shane Jones has continued his criticism of Air New Zealand scaling back its regional services today, saying the national carrier "should put their money where their mouth is".

Speaking to reporters in Parliament today Mr Jones says his comments about Air NZ are gaining support amongst his colleagues.

"Rule number one in politics is isolate the issue and build up a chorus of support and that chorus is building as we speak," Mr Jones said.

When asked if he had a solution to the issue the Regional Economic Development Minister deferred that to Air New Zealand.

"The immediate solution lies with them, they have taken a strategy to increase profit by downgrading provinces and then they decided to bail out of Kapiti within three weeks, hell you get better rights for buying a second hand car, than three weeks."

Mr Jones then said: "The reality is if they really want to hook up with other provincial providers they should put there money where their mouth is."

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says being from the regions he backs his MPs comments on the issue.

Air New Zealand Chairman Tony Carter wrote to Finance Minister Grant Robertson to reinforce that the company is independent of the government.

Mr Carter mentioned Mr Jones' criticism of the regional service, "while at the same time making reference to the Crown's 51 per cent shareholding".

The NZ First MP's comments follow the carrier's decision to cut flights between Kapiti Coast and Christchurch.

"Any appearance of a lack of commercial independence is viewed seriously by the Air New Zealand Board and is ultimately potentially damaging to the interests of all shareholders, including the Crown," Mr Carter said.

He said in a statement the Crown's shares in Air NZ are publicly listed, which gives the same rights as any other shareholder.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today told reporters it shouldn't come as "any surprise" that Mr Jones would be defending regional flights.

"Ministers, particularly with a regional focus, will have an opinion," she said.

"That doesn't mean we have any ability or intent to take away the independent decision-making of a business like Air New Zealand.

"It is their decision. It remains their decision. He's expressed an opinion."

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