Hon Jim Anderton
Member of Parliament for Wigram
Progressive Leader

16 September 2009
Media Statement

Waikato innovation park opened

Jim Anderton was in Hamilton today to mark the further development of a project begun by the last Labour-led government; the formal opening of the now Tetra Pak building at Waikato Innovation Park.

As Minister of Economic Development, Mr Anderton had championed the initial establishment of the Park.

“I believed strongly that establishing and developing the park would help New Zealand agri-technology businesses to grow and develop,” says Opposition spokesperson on agriculture and Progressive leader, Jim Anderton.

“This is how governments actively support innovation and New Zealand business.”

“It’s very disappointing that under the new National government support for big and bold ideas like this is less likely to occur.”

“Our tax credits for businesses who invest in Research and Development for example, have been removed. That means a tax increase of about $1 billion over three years for anyone wanting to support initiatives like the Tetra Pak building.

The Tetra Pak building will house many innovative companies working in the agricultural sector, including the multinational food processing and packaging company Tetra Pak, New Zealand Industry Training Organisation, and many others. It will house approximately 180 staff, doubling the size of the workforce at the Waikato Innovation Park.

Securing big multinational tenants like Tetra Pak means that the Park is now housing businesses which come up with new ideas to improve value for money from on-farm to processing activities.

“Only six years ago this was just a paddock of grass. Now it’s set to become a major contributor to wealth-creation in New Zealand.”

“We need more centers of innovation like this across New Zealand. You don’t grow the economy with cycle tracks and small ideas. You need big and bold ideas. I wish the Waikato Innovation Park the best of luck for the future,” says Jim Anderton.

ENDS

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