4 February 2001

West Auckland will receive a significant boost because of the Government's commitment to hands-on involvement in the economy, West Auckland-based Alliance MP Laila Harré said today.

Her comments follow Sovereign Yachts' announcement that it is establishing a super yacht building facility on a former part of the Hobsonville Air Force Base.

"Today's announcement will means as many as 350 new jobs and up to $600 million in new export earnings for New Zealand over five years," Laila Harré said.

"This investment was made possible by the Government's commitment to hands-on partnership to create employment. The Jobs Machine was a major commitment for the Alliance in the election, and we are delivering.

"The benefits of this success will be felt through-out West Auckland. There will be high-skill jobs in the new facility, and the economic benefits will multiply right around the city.

"Sovereign's commitment to use apprentices under the Coalition Government's Modern Apprenticeship scheme will ensure that young workers secure a future they might not otherwise have had in West Auckland."

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