22 October 2000 Media Statement

Business-Government Forum: the format

Prime Minister Helen Clark today outlined the programme for the Business-Government Forum in Auckland on Tuesday .

Helen Clark said the forum, being held at Buddle Findlay's Queen St offices, would be interactive.

"The 85 business participants will not be hearing lots of speeches. The focus will very much be on exploring practical strategies for increasing growth and prosperity.

"The challenges this country faces can only be effectively tackled if central government and business work in partnership, and that is the approach we are taking on Tuesday."

Set-piece presentations are being given by Helen Clark, Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton and Finance Minister Michael Cullen. No other minister will have a formal speaking role.

Other ministers attending will be Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Phil Goff, Education Minister Trevor Mallard, Research, Science and Technology Minister Pete Hodgson, Labour Minister Margaret Wilson, Associate Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Matt Robson, Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel, State Owned Enterprises Minister Mark Burton and Commerce Minister Paul Swain.

Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton is overseas and unable to attend.

The working programme will start at 12.30pm with an open session led by Helen Clark. Participants will then move into the first workshop session in groups of between six and 12.

At 2.45 pm, following an afternoon tea break, Michael Cullen and Jim Anderton will make presentations. The forum will then begin a second round of workshops, with a final 75-minute plenary session scheduled for 5 pm.

The workshop sessions will run for an hour and a quarter.

Ministers will attend workshops as participants, with Helen Clark moving between different workshops during the day. The workshop sessions will be run by professional facilitators

Helen Clark said the programme had been designed to ensure that business leaders participating got the opportunity to join a constructive dialogue about the way forward for New Zealand.

"I am confident we will do that on Tuesday. It will be an important step in getting New Zealand Inc working together to achieve a strong and sustainable economy, and better living standards for all," Helen Clark said.

ENDS

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