NZCTUMEDIA RELEASE
15 May 2006

CTU Asks NZ'ers to Consider the Many Benefits of Buying Kiwi Made

The Council of Trade Unions is asking New Zealanders to consider the many benefits of buying kiwi made products and services.

"By buying local, kiwis are contributing to New Zealand in many ways - not only by putting money directly into local business and providing jobs, but also to public services such as health and education through the tax base," said Ross Wilson, Council of Trade Unions President.

"'Buy Kiwi Made' is not about asking New Zealanders to purchase locally just for the sake of it - by buying local people are buying quality products made by skilled New Zealanders."

"The CTU recognises that our low wages crisis is in part a driver of cheap imported products," said Ross Wilson. "Alongside initiatives such as 'Buy Kiwi Made' we must lift wages overall, so that New Zealand workers have the genuine ability to support local products and services."

"The CTU argues for an investment approach to deliver the 'high road' economy based on high wages, high skills, modern technology, high levels of productivity and excellent infrastructure," said Ross Wilson. "A 'Buy Kiwi Made' programme will contribute to this goal, and we look forward to positive outcomes from this initiative."

ENDS

© Scoop Media