The New Zealand government, facing a general election next year, is confronting a referendum opposing asset sales and protests over drilling for oil. It is unlikely to be swayed by either. Government leaders say the sale of assets will contribute to returning the budget to surplus, and any oil discovery has the potential to transform the economy. The referendum is being held because more than 10% of enrolled voters presented a petition to parliament calling for one, a provision made into law in 1993. The government is not bound by the result and it will take little heed of this one.
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