Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister &
National Party Leader

14 November 2011

National’s building blocks for a stronger economy

National has today set out its building blocks for a stronger New Zealand economy, by releasing a 120-point economic development action plan which complements its fiscal policy commitment to get New Zealand back into surplus within three years and to start paying down debt.

"This is about the other half of the economic story," says Prime Minister and National Party Leader John Key. "The top-level plan for balancing the books, paying off debt and having a competitive tax system is critical for growth, but work at the industry level is also important."

"This paper outlines 120 key action points, some of which are new, some that are in progress, and some completed ones that are starting to show dividends. Together, they will help drive our industries forward so we can sell more to the rest of the world."

The paper covers National’s commitments to building productive infrastructure, improving regulation, developing a skilled workforce, and investing in innovation and trade.

"It is crucial that we have all our export industries working positively if we are to turn New Zealand into a more competitive economy that provides better jobs and growth for New Zealanders," Mr Key says.

As well as the 120 action points, Mr Key released the party's full Economic Development, Transport, and Energy policies.

"In the Economic Development area, one of our most exciting commitments is in the science and innovation space. We have previously announced our plan for an advanced technology institute, and today I am announcing the creation of National Science Challenges, which will find solutions to some of the most fundamental issues New Zealand faces in its future development.

"It is worth underlining that science is almost the only policy area that is being earmarked for new investment by National, outside the traditional expenditure areas of Education and Health," says Mr Key.

"In Transport, we are confirming our massive investment in roads and rail, in particular the RONS programme, by announcing our evaluation of four new RONS projects over the next three years. Our Energy and Resources policy confirms we will continue to develop this important export sector in an environmentally responsible way.

"National is absolutely committed to growing the New Zealand economy so we can provide more jobs and higher wages to help raise the standard of living of New Zealanders. We will do this by providing the right economic incentives, and regulating responsibly to maintain safety and protect the environment, but without strangling businesses in red tape," says Mr Key.

Visit the policies at: http://national.org.nz/PDF_General/Economic_Development_Action_Plan.pdf
http://national.org.nz/PDF_General/Economic_Development_policy.pdf
http://national.org.nz/PDF_General/Energy_and_Resources_policy.pdf
http://national.org.nz/PDF_General/Transport_policy.pdf

ENDS

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