Air NZ says contacted in EU cargo investigation

SYDNEY, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Air New Zealand (AIR.NZ) said on Thursday it is one of 25 airlines that have been contacted by the European Union following an investigation into alleged agreements among airlines over air cargo rates and surcharges.

The carrier said it had received a statement of objections, which set out issues the airlines were required to respond to by March 3.

"Air New Zealand will not be making any further comment until the statement has been considered by the company's lawyers," it said in a statement. (Reporting by Richard Pullin)