The Prime Minister says a referendum on asset sales will be held if opponents get the numbers to force a citizens initiated referendum.
John Key is critical of the way opposition parties are using parliamentary resources to collect signatures for the petition.
But he promises proper process will be observed.
"If and when they can get the numbers and if and when the clerk verifies those numbers then the legality of that is quite clear - the government has to hold a referendum within 12 months, and it will do so."
