Chambers of Commerce – Election Manifesto 2008

Media Release
21 August 2008

New Zealand Chambers of Commerce – Election Manifesto 2008

The New Zealand Chambers of Commerce (Inc), NZCCI, has sent a set of policy recommendations to all MPs of actions designed to enhance the business environment in New Zealand.

The policy recommendations are contained within NZCCI’s 2008 Election Manifesto which was launched today.

“Policies to Improve Productivity and Grow the Economy provides a pragmatic stance on business and economic policy issues for political parties to consider - both before and after the election,” said NZCCI Director, Charles Finny.

“NZCCI is a non-partisan organisation. It does not support any political parties but it does support policies that enable businesses to flourish and the economy to grow. We hope that the incoming government, however it is made up, will adopt the policies contained in this manifesto.

“The policies are all designed to improve New Zealand’s productivity growth. They include investment in infrastructure; lower marginal tax rates; reductions in government imposed costs on business; strong external linkages and a flexible labour market.”

Among the key recommendations are:

- leave the existing monetary policy framework alone
- a review of all government spending with a view to eliminating waste
- a reduction in the top personal tax rate be a priority as part of the next round of tax cuts and the implementation of a flatter tax structure
- increased infrastructure investment including the use of more private sector investment including public private partnerships (PPPs)
- establishment of a Productivity Commission
- remove restrictions on thermal electricity generation
- a review of the Resource Management Act

“We intend to compare party policies with those in the manifesto to help our members make informed choices come election time,” Mr Finny concluded.

ENDS

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