Norsewear Welcomes Buy Kiwi Made Funding Programme
21 December 2006
Norsewear Welcomes Buy Kiwi Made Funding Programme
Norsewear Chief Executive Robert Linterman is welcoming the opening of the initial funding round for the contestable $3 million Buy Kiwi Made Regional and Sector Initiatives Fund.
“This Fund has the potential to give some tangible support to the 100% Kiwi companies who have made the decision to keep their operations on-shore. These companies are the backbone of local manufacturing and richly deserve a little support,” says Mr Linterman.
“I am pleased that the Fund will only be open to projects which are ‘New Zealand-based and focused’. Companies which manufacture off-shore will have to look elsewhere. That is precisely what Buy Kiwi Made was set up to mean,” he says.
“Norsewear is an iconic New Zealand manufacturer and we will be looking at the opportunities presented by this new Fund. The decision not to fund individual companies is logical and we will be looking hard at how we can work with other firms across sectors or across regions to develop a robust application,” says Mr Linterman.
“Whether we eventually obtain any funding or not, this Fund is good news for companies who have made the decision to remain true to country. Green MP Sue Bradford and the Government should be congratulated for this initiative,” he says.
ENDS