Agenda : Borrows Confident Of Smacking Support

BORROWS

National MP Chester Borrows says he is confident his amendment to Sue Bradford’s ‘anti-smacking’ bill will gain the support of Parliament.

Speaking on TVOne’s Agenda programme, Mr Borrows was confident his amendment bill would pass.

When asked if he thought he had the support to get his bill through the House, Mr Borrows replied;

“Yeah I think we can, it depends on what support we get and who’s prepared to stand up and be counted.”

He suggested Prime Minister Helen Clark should act on her 2005 election comments and vote for the bill.

“If the PM really wants to achieve what she said in 2005 she’ll be voting for my amendment, and not Sue’s [Bradford] bill.”

LIDDELL

Visiting business advisor Bridget Liddell says Prime Minister Helen Clark’s visit to meet US President Bush will help boost New Zealand business interests in the US.

Speaking on TVOne’s Agenda programme this morning, Ms Liddell said the visit can only help New Zealand’s image in the US.

“The NZ Prime Minister spending time with George Bush will add to that brand and image.”

She says the Prime Minister will be trying to emphasise New Zealand’s global intentions.

“We are a serious country, we have global intentions for our businesses and that will be part of what she will be conveying.”

Ms Liddell says New Zealand already has a strong presence in the US market

“New Zealand has a wonderful base to build on – we’ve a very strong brand.”

She also says New Zealand businesses need to have ‘people on the ground’ to break into global markets.

“We’ve got a lot of evidence that if you access good networks in the market… it can make a massive difference.”

Ms Liddell named several New Zealand companies, including the children’s wear company Pumpkin Patch, who have done well due to their unique style.

“It’s innovation in colour and their combination of fabrics – it’s great!”

ENDS

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