Closer political ties with Australia needed, says Moore

New Zealanders should vigorously debate not deride the idea of closer political ties with Australia, says Mike Moore, chair of the Trans-Tasman Business Forum on November 7 in Auckland.

“It’s a serious issue that needs serious consideration by both countries because no two countries have so much in common,” he says.

“The lesson of the last 50 years has been not to fight political sovereignty but to break down these barriers; trade, communications, movement of people, goods, services, investment, build common standards, all of which create jobs, wealth, and friends.”

Moore says the Trans-Tasman Forum, organised by AUT University, will provide a blueprint for Kiwi business interests looking to get traction in the highly competitive Australian market.

Some of Zealand’s most successful Australian operators will attend the event, including Fletcher Building Datacom, A2 Corporation and Kim Crawford Wines. Keynote speakers include former New South Wales Premier, Hon. Bob Carr (1995-2005) and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Dr Alan Bollard.

Moore, the former World Trade Organisation Director-General, says politicians need to do the intellectual work.

“Joint studies need to be done from which decisions can be made – the evidence needs to be compiled,” says Moore. “But the first step is to think about it and reject the things that are unacceptable.”

“Any serious talk of a possible Trans-Tasman currency must involve discussions around sharing of directorships of banks, integrating financial cycles and merging entities like the stock exchange.”

Moore adds that for the past century Australia and New Zealand have converged politically but are now diverging.

“Australian adopted a compulsory-savings scheme years ago and they are now awash with investment money. New Zealand is lagging 20 years behind.”

Notes for Editors:

What: The Trans-Tasman Business Forum Organiser: AUT University When: Wednesday November 7, 2007 Where: Auckland's Hyatt Hotel Information: www.transtasmanbusinessforum.co.nz

Keynote speakers include:

• Hon. Bob Carr, Premier, New South Wales (1995-2005)

• Dr Alan Bollard, Governor, Reserve Bank of New Zealand

• Jonathan Ling, Managing Director and Chief Executive, Fletcher Building

• Erica Crawford, Founder, Kim Crawford Wines

• Dr Allan Freeth, Chief Executive, TelstraClear

• Rhoda Holmes, General Manager, gen-i Australasia

• Anthony Lawler, Chief Executive, A2 Corporation

• Michael Browne, Chief Executive, Datacom Australia & Asia

The Trans-Tasman Business Forum is being organised by AUT University in conjunction with the Trans-Tasman Business Circle and Export New Zealand. It follows the highly successful AUT University China Business Forum 2006 www.chinabusinessforum.co.nz.

ENDS

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