9 February 2005
Just buy NZ-made
Buy New Zealand Made President Dalton Kelly says local manufacturers are doing well, and Kiwis shouldn’t be spooked by
events such as the impending closure of the Interlock Group’s operations in Wellington.
“Interlock is an overseas-owned exporter to the global market, and the decision to close its Wellington plant is more to
do with global issues than New Zealand ones.
“It doesn’t mean that NZ manufacturing is in trouble. Our manufacturers are competing successfully against the world’s
best, and all manufacturers need to be able to change direction from time to time to stay competitive. The fact that we
have a tight labour market will make it easier for Interlock employees to get new jobs.
“Nor does it change the really important issue from our point of view – the need for New Zealanders here at home to buy
NZ-made. An individual Kiwi consumer can’t influence the global marketplace much, but he or she can make a big
difference to Kiwi companies by choosing to buy NZ-made.”
ENDS