Spot The Difference: Government Lacks Regional Policy
New Zealand First deplores the decision made by DB to close their Monteiths Brewery on the West Coast.
“While acknowledging that this is a private enterprise decision it highlights the similarities between the Government
and National in their approach to the regions,” New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters said today.
“We have listened to weasel words from successive Ministers but still our industry drifts to Auckland while heartland
New Zealand is left to atrophy.
“I urge DB to reconsider, and I urge the Government to show leadership by working with industry and the community to
retain jobs on the Coast. If DB cannot make a go of it on the West Coast why don’t they sell it at an affordable price
to their West Coast workers who no doubt, with local loyalty, will make a go of it.
“All New Zealanders, regardless of geographical location, ought to be able to find meaningful work. This Government
continues to display a lack of ideas on regional development,” Mr Peters said.
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