Play The Ball, Not The Man Says Employers' Federation

NZ Employers' Federation President Robyn Leeming says it's absurd for the Finance Minister to claim that the slide in the Kiwi dollar is due to business organisations scaring off overseas investment.

Ms Leeming says business organisations like the Employers' Federation have a responsibility to convey their members' concerns over issues which impact on their bottom line, and the Government should play the ball, not blame the messenger.

"Our members are simply feeling the impact of the Government's policy directions. Today's survey of business opinion* by our Canterbury regional association shows 40% expect business conditions to decline over the next six months, compared with 13% a year ago. What is concerning is that 53% report shortage of demand as a constraint to business growth, showing that consumers as well as employers lack the confidence to open their cheque books.

"This uncertainty is a direct result of the Government's policy direction - and the Government should face up to it, Ms Leeming said.

"We no longer live in fortress New Zealand. This country's policy direction is blindingly obvious to investors around the world and is the reason why they are deciding not to invest here.

"The Minister of Finance must take responsibility for correcting the cause of the New Zealand dollar's weakness and not try to blame those who are suffering from it," Ms Leeming said.

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