Import News from the Importers Institute
11 June 2000 - Bras Come Down But Knickers Stay Up
In a move sure to lift the spirits of all New Zealand women, the Government has announced it intends to remove the
tariff on imported bras. But, concerned about the unbearable dilemma this will pose for women who want their underwear
to match, the Opposition has cried foul.
Acting Minister of Commerce Trevor Mallard says the Government decided to lift the tariff because Bendon has stopped
making bras in New Zealand.
"Bendon's decision to cease New Zealand production removed justification for a tariff. The decision to remove that
tariff reflects the Government's pragmatic and balanced approach.
"I hope consumers will soon see the tariff removal reflected by price reductions," Trevor Mallard said.
But rather than welcoming this uplifting announcement in the spirit in which it was made, National MP Annabel Young says
the Government has failed to grasp this extremely sensitive issue, and simply isn't offering women the support they
need.
"What about the knickers, Mr Mallard? It's great that bras have been stripped of their tariff but knickers should come
down too," Ms Young says.
"Doesn't Mr Mallard understand girlie stuff?
"Females don't just wear bras. They also wear knickers and sometimes camisoles and slips. This exemption discriminates
against those females who want to purchase a matching set.
"Perhaps Mr Mallard should seek advice from his female colleagues.
"Does Mr Mallard seriously want to save females money on underwear or is he just paying them lip service?" Ms Young
said.
While the Importers Institute is grateful for the insights into women's lingerie purchasing patterns, it really just has
one comment to add to the debate: "Oh dear."
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