9 October 2008
Export led recovery – maybe not
The New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA) say that National’s tax package is set to severely
impact the real (tradable) economy in New Zealand. Scrapping the R tax credit will drive our existing innovators offshore and stymie the development of new opportunities.
NZMEA Chief Executive John Walley says, “As we watch the global meltdown of the financial system, we look to our real
economy to take up the slack. At this point in the business cycle we look to our exporters to lead the recovery. Instead
of supporting the recovery, this policy kicks the tradeable economy in the teeth. We have received a huge amount of
angry comment on this issue, but I guess the political calculation is that exporters don’t have many votes so they don’t
matter.”
“Our members are saying that they stand to lose significant investment capital if the R credit is removed. Many of them have already started to invest in R projects and report that this change will eat into margins and prevent further R investment. We have also received feedback from overseas businesses intending to carry out R projects in New Zealand that removing the tax credit would see them consider cancelling these plans.”
Colin McKenzie from Salcom Technologies said, “Once again it appears that Ministers of the Crown are going to
demonstrate their ignorance of how the real economy actually functions in a competitive world, but blithely talk about
‘business growth” with, it appears, little concept of how that is going to be achieved, and consequently raise the taxes
they need to meet their promises.” This reflected the sentiment from those involved in the tradeable economy.
“There has been much talk from National about cutting bureaucracy costs to free up funding, but these cuts have come
straight from the pockets of our existing and potential innovative exporters. The tax package simply offers a carrot to
voters at the cost of our long-term economic success.”
Members of the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association make nearly $2.0 billion in sales and have an export
value of around $1.0 billion. Our organisation can trace its existence back to the early history of New Zealand.
As a legacy of the hard work and careful financial management of the past, we have a significant asset base that enables
our independence and extends our activity. Subscriptions fund only a very small part of our current operating costs.
Membership is open to all manufacturers and exporters and others at the discretion of our Council. Enquiries should be
directed to mea@mea.org.nz
ENDS