Mike Lee on the POAL dispute

As Isuggested earlier this morning, Mike Lee is not disengaged from the ports issue. The question of the relationship between POAL and Tauranga is at least as old as the the 1990s, when the question if NI capacity really began to be asked. I have blogged on this several times over the last three years. The problem is that the multiple attempts to cajole the two companies into an joint arrangement have foundered for many reasons, mainly to do with business acumen and a lack of drive on many parts. I have always argued that this is inevitable, and that it is better managed by a Supercity-oned company than a privately-owned operation (which will simply drive a low-road solution, as we see with Mr Gibson today). This is why I am in no doubt that the crisis in train is deliberately ramped up to promote privatisation and, then, a private sector-driven rationalisation, facilitated by the government. We are being played for mugs by the ports' board and CEO, and their allies in different quarters, and Right commentaries are meekly falling into line. One day, if this all goes through, and we see the asset stripping of one or other of the ports, and Emerson draws another bitter cartoon about the rip-offs of privatisation, we may be moved to say "we told you so', but there will be no joy in that.