August 14, 2006

Keep it Kiwi, say workers

New Zealand-made means made in New Zealand, providing jobs for Kiwi workers and incomes for Kiwi families, says the union that represents manufacturing workers.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little said that attempts to try and include New Zealand-run companies manufacturing in other countries in the latest buy-New Zealand-made promotion were a cynical attempt to cash-in on New Zealanders’ feelings of loyalty and concern towards their fellow Kiwi workers.

“Companies who quit New Zealand to manufacture overseas say they do it because of the obvious advantages in manufacturing in countries where workers are paid a pittance,” he said.

“Well, one of the disadvantages is that you can’t claim to be Kiwi-made.

“You can’t have it both ways, and anyone who tries to is ripping off New Zealanders.”

Mr Little said that the Buy New Zealand-made campaign was being run with taxpayers’ money.

“This is not simply a branding exercise; it’s about encouraging and promoting investment in productive capacity in New Zealand. That’s how jobs are made here.”

ENDS

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