Fletcher Tabuteau MP

Spokesperson on Commerce and Trade
10 DECEMBER.2014

National’s Wrecking Ball Ruining Lives And Economy

National’s narrow thinkers are wedded to failed economic policies that the OECD says are hurting Kiwis and the country as a whole, says New Zealand First.

“National’s adamant refusal to change course and work for all New Zealanders has led to an OECD report clearly showing that government policies are causing massive inequality which is restricting economic growth, says Spokesperson on Commerce and Trade Fletcher Tabuteau.

“The TPPA negotiations are just another example of National’s extremist policy – it is a trade treaty in name only. We are witnessing a government pandering to big business, but everyone in New Zealand must count.

“National intends to give away our rights to large foreign corporations which will only make the rich richer. US analysis shows the benefits of a TPPA agreement to the NZ economy would be marginal and may only bring an insignificant increase in New Zealand’s GDP of a 100th of a per cent,” says Mr Tabuteau.

“Trade Negotiations Minister Tim Groser told us to trust him and his trade experts, but now he says it’s acceptable that gains in one area of negotiations means losses in others.

“What that actually means is that our Seniors will pay more for their medicines and the rich traders will simply make more money.

“OECD experts say National’s ideology is hurting all New Zealanders. National does not care. Mr Groser can’t wait to sign the TPP and wear the further deterioration of equality in New Zealand like a badge.

“The OECD report says government policies must be directed at the half of our population to improve their livelihoods and bring back equality, which New Zealanders were once rightly proud of.

“Both National and Labour are responsible for the inequality in New Zealand. Labour started reforms in 1984 and National followed with even more brutality – now we have wages being driven down by a flood of migrants and National is pushing for zero-hour contracts.

“The OECD is right, it is time for a change of direction – that’s common sense and fairer for all.”

ENDS

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