Key must raise human rights and tell China NZ is not for sale

John Key needs to do two things when he meets with senior Chinese leaders this week - raise human rights concerns and tell China that our productive land is not for sale, Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman said today.

John Key has recently made some strong statements that he is concerned by the prospect of New Zealand’s productive land being purchased by overseas investors. Mr Key has also pointed out that New Zealand investors could not buy land in China.

“John Key needs to alert China’s leaders to his misgivings over New Zealand losing control of its own economic sovereignty,” said Dr Norman.

“Mr Key has received praise in New Zealand for raising concerns about overseas investors purchasing New Zealand land.

“To show he really is serious about safeguarding New Zealand’s economic future John Key needs to tell China’s leaders that overseas companies won't be allowed to buy up New Zealand land.

“New Zealand should not be selling off our best assets to Chinese, American or Australian investors,” said Dr Norman.

“We should in fact take a tip form the Chinese Government itself regarding foreign ownership of land.”

In China foreign companies can only get land use rights not ownership of land as we know it in New Zealand.

Dr Norman also called for the Prime Minister to raise the issue of human rights in China including the plight of New Zealander Danny Cancian, abuses in Tibet, and the suffering inflicted on the Uighur people.