Katherine Rich MP
National Party Economic Development Spokeswoman

10 October 2006

Two marketing campaigns illogical, wasteful

Trevor Mallard's confirmation that there will be two marketing campaigns - for domestic manufacturers and for firms which get their products made overseas - shows just how politically expedient Labour is, says National Party Economic Development spokeswoman Katherine Rich.

"This is just a waste of taxpayer money so Helen Clark can get out of a situation where she's been rolled by the Green Party.

"This second programme - coming on top of the $11 million Buy NZ Made campaign - is not based on any philosophy, logic, or common sense. It will also reportedly cost as much as the initial programme.

"Running both campaigns in tandem will also be very confusing for New Zealanders, and begs the question about what this new programme sprung on the public is designed to achieve.

"Unlike Labour, the Greens didn't want a campaign where something made in China could be included under a 'Buy NZ Made' slogan.

"Confirmation of a second marketing campaign for those firms which make their products overseas shows that Labour will do anything to let Helen Clark save face - including wasting millions of taxpayer dollars.

"It's all about politics, pure and simple. What is this campaign realistically going to achieve?

"If the Government really wanted to support Kiwi firms, it could address things like tax rates and red tape."

ENDS

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