Employers across the country will view today’s tertiary education announcement from Steve Maharey with caution, and in
some cases, considerable irritation.
Employers & Manufacturers Assoc. (Central) chief executive Paul Winter says the Minister’s comments sound positive, but in fact
expose the Government’s struggle to take a leadership role and implement policy which truly helps business grow.
Mr Maharey says employers can expect “more relevant and flexible skills from graduates in five years”. What are they
supposed to do in the meantime, as they cope with skills shortages across the country?
“Does this mean the Government knows the graduates available now, and for the next five years, are not going to have all
the skills employers need? If so, why has it taken this Government two and a half years to reach this conclusion, and
having finally done so, why does it take another five years to see the benefit from it?”
New Zealand business confidence is certainly being tested by this Government, Mr Winter says.
“Compliance costs are rising, ratifying the Kyoto Protocol will cost us growth and jobs, and the country is in the grip
of a skilled worker shortage, the like of which we have not seen for decades.
“Student debt is still a major burden to young people, their families and the community. Despite more New Zealanders
returning home since September 11, which helps meet skill shortages, graduates with considerable debt are still likely
to want to quit New Zealand and work overseas,” he says.
ENDS