budget 2000: Developing an innovative economy
Budget 2000 contains a suite of measures to assist business and regional development, to add knowledge to New Zealand's
productive base and to unlock the potential of e-commerce. We want to develop an economy which adapts to change and
increases the employment opportunities and incomes of all New Zealanders.
Economic Development
New funding of $331.875 million [including GST] over the next four years.
Industry and regional development will receive $33.750 million in Year One, $73.125 million in Year Two and $112.50
million in Year Three and subsequent years.
An additional $3.375 million a year to the Ministry of Economic Development for policy advice on economic development.
New embassy in Brazil.
The Knowledge Economy
Over $43 million in Year One for research, science and technology, including a record $20.8 allocation to encourage R in the private sector.
More than $11 million over the next four years to promote e-commerce.
$9.5 million over two years for Trade New Zealand to improve its online services for exporters. [Announced 19 May]
Funds to promote export education. [Announced 23 May]
$400,000 over four years to strengthen consumer protection on the net. [Announced 9 June]
Employment
$21 million in additional funding over four years to buy vocational services for people with disabilities.
$25 million over four years to help the unemployed gain work experience.
$28 million over 4 years on Mäori and Pacific Island employment initiatives. [Detailed in the 'Closing the Gaps'
package.]