Solving the Infrastructure Deficit through Asset Recycling: A Finance Expert's Perspective

The New Zealand Government is set to spend up to $200 million on Genesis Energy shares to maintain its 51% stake. Critics argue that the funds could be better used for infrastructure like hospitals and water systems. The New Zealand Initiative suggests asset recycling, selling unneeded assets to fund essential infrastructure projects. The Crown's commercial holdings, worth around $24 billion, include enterprises such as an airline, electricity generators, and a bank. The Government has been criticized for not using its ownership to direct or control these companies.