It is being urged by the Solid Energy Chairman, John Palmer that the New Zealand's largest coal miner should be floated with a projected market value of $2.5 billion.

Mr. Palmer, also the Chairman of Air New Zealand, said that a debate should be initialed on the future of the country's state-owned enterprises, as he stated that part sale of the key assets will help the Government to raise the value of its investment, without using more capital.

He added that “right management and access to capital” can tailor New Zealand's most important Companies. Mr. Palmer proposed this while he was speaking at the annual general meeting of stock exchange operator, NZX in Wellington.

Mr. Palmer also opined that the major Companies like Solid Energy and other electricity generators should be taking into consideration for planning a partial sale, while the controlling stakes should still be held by the Government.

On the other hand, Energy Minister, Gerry Brownlee while addressing the electricity conference in Christchurch, yesterday, said that the comments of Mr. Palmer were "out of line" and the Government will not consider his proposal of selling the assets in the first term.

Mr. Palmer underlined that the views that he put forth were completely his personal views, but Mr. Brownlee said that Mr. Palmer for giving such advice, will first have to get elected as a candidate.