John Key MP
National Party Finance Spokesman
17 August 2005
Labour ex-pat charm offensive is offensive
National Party Finance spokesman John Key says no one will believe the Labour Government’s sudden charm offensive to
entice ex-pats back to New Zealand.
“Why would they, when just a few weeks ago Michael Cullen said New Zealand was better off without them.”
Mr Key is referring to a speech Dr Cullen gave to the Wellington District Law Society on 19 July. He said: ‘If, as some
have suggested, New Zealanders are fleeing as tax exiles to Australia, one can only conclude that those individuals are
functionally innumerate, and we are probably better off without them.’
“Labour’s charm offensive is offensive. It will do nothing to stem the flow of Kiwis leaving this country for better
wages and better incentives overseas.
“Let’s look at the initiatives - a web-site and a trial of video conferencing facilities. Big deal!
“Then there’s a promise to work with the agencies already in place, something most would have expected the Government to
be doing already.
“Of course, promoting New Zealand-based jobs overseas is a worthy idea, but surely this is a common-sense solution to
our skills crisis anyway.
“The best way to ensure skilled New Zealanders come home, or don’t leave in the first instance, is to provide a tax and
social structure that sets the right incentives for people to work hard and get ahead.
“National is the only party that will deliver a fairer tax system for working Kiwis,” says Mr Key.
ENDS