NZ's Competitiveness Slide An Early Warning

Media release
October 15th 2004

NZ's competitiveness slide an early warning

New Zealand's slipping back to 18th place in the Global Competitiveness Survey of business competitiveness should not be taken lightly, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

"We must take the slip backwards in the Global Competitiveness Survey as an early warning signal," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"The survey found New Zealand has several competitive disadvantages likely to deter investment.

"In particular, the global perception of our business environment is that it is more subject now than in previous years to government regulation and compliance costs, and to restrictive employment laws.

"The 'most problematic factors for doing business' score is for restrictive labour regulations, which most probably refers to the complex and expensive Holidays Act, and the new employment relations law."

ENDS

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