Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton is encouraged by an Opposition report on the state of the economy.

Mr Anderton today revealed to Parliament a memo to the National Party caucus from its finance spokesperson Bill English.

It states 'the economic environment looks set to turn in the Government's favour over the next few months – growth will re-emerge from the September quarter and confidence surveys will soon start to recover.'

Jim Anderton agrees.

"The Government has been working in partnership with the private sector and local communities and the results are beginning to show.

"We have the lowest level of unemployment for twelve years.

"As the English report states: 'exports are rampant, growth will continue in this quarter and accelerate next year.'

"The hands-off economy that Bill English left us was weak and vulnerable and it has taken time to turn it around.

"I welcome Mr English's admission that the 'easy bit is over' for the Opposition and I implore the Opposition to stop being negative and stop talking New Zealand down," Jim Anderton said.

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