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“Can Do” Attitude Needed To Boost Economy
15.03.2012
Hon Steven Joyce, Minister for Economic Development challenged more than 300 Property Council members this morning to adopt a “can do” attitude to help get this country moving.
The need to be more receptive to growth in New Zealand came as no surprise to Property Council, who is fully aware of the restrictive policies hindering development.
Property Council Chief Executive Connal Townsend assured the Minister that Property Council is supportive of the Government’s intention to boost the economy. “But this needs to be achieved with a synchronised approach, and it needs to be enabled and led by the Government.”
Although the Minister doesn’t expect there to be a huge boom in 2012, he has cautious optimism for the economic outlook this year and believes the construction industry will pick up. “Next year in particular is looking strong.”
However, the Minister explained growth cannot happen without economic investment.
“Debate needs to shift from the current focus on what industries will save us, towards a focus on encouraging every industry to help bring this country up. There is a need to encourage more businesses to be based in New Zealand.
“It needs to be understood that people can choose to base their skills, ideas and capital anywhere in the world. The ingredients need to be ready to offer people who want to base their capital here,” said the Minister.
“Most importantly, the Government needs to understand the insecurities held by New Zealanders towards investment, as investment should be a good thing for this country. When we turn investment down, an opportunity is turned down, jobs are turned down.”
Concern for lack of investment in New Zealand has already been voiced by Property Council in its new policy manifesto Fast-Forward to Growth.
Mr Townsend said: “The organisation supports overseas investment that invigorates local economy as a vital means of lifting New Zealand’s economic performance.
“Overseas investment aids, fosters and encourages new developments and growth in New Zealand. Investment will bring jobs, and we have just heard the Minister fully comprehends that New Zealand needs more jobs.”
END
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