3rd May 2002

The OECD's Economic Survey of New Zealand is positive reinforcement of National's economic policy announced two weeks ago, says National's finance spokesman David Carter.

"The report released today says that raising the growth potential of the economy must be the central focus of any governments economic policy. They list a range of policy areas that need to part of any plan to lift economic performance - all of which are addressed in National's policy.

"They highlight boosting skills which requires stronger school leadership, greater flexibility in the use of resources and increased parental choice - all elements the Labour party are miles away from.

"The OECD also signals that fostering innovation is important, but they tell us that promoting flexibility is more important than picking winners.

"Reducing compliance costs and improving regulation are also high on the list, as is greater use of competition and choice.

"Most concern is expressed over the capital side of the Government's accounts with the OECD expressing the view that "some investment decisions could have been better" and that "some recent decisions have been disappointing". They save their harshest criticism for Jim Anderton's Kiwi Bank.

"The OECD report reinforces that National has the only credible plan to sustainably lift the performance of the New Zealand economy," said Mr Carter.

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