8 December 2008

Buy Kiwi Made decision shows Govt's lack of economic skill

The new Minister of Economic Development shows a remarkable lack of economic understanding in his decision to suspend the Buy Kiwi Made campaign, the Green Party says.

"National doesn't seem to comprehend that at a time of recession, supporting and protecting local industry becomes paramount," Green Buy Kiwi Made Spokesperson Sue Bradford says.

"The decision to stop the last tranche of funding going through for the Buy Kiwi Made campaign is in effect economic sabotage.

"Government should be doing everything it can to support local manufacturers and producers, not cutting supportive programmes off at the knees.

"The more of us who buy goods and products made by our fellow Kiwis, the more businesses will stay viable, and the more New Zealand's workers will keep their jobs.

"And as people overseas are less and less able to afford our exports, manufacturers become even more dependent on the home market.

"It is also bizarre that Mr Brownlee has put the campaign on hold pending a review, when a full review is due to happen shortly anyway.

"On top of that, independent research carried out on the effectiveness of the Buy Kiwi Made campaign proves that consumer, retailer and manufacturer awareness and support are steadily increasing.

"The most recent evaluation, in November 2008, shows that 360,000 more shoppers think Kiwi-made than before the marketing programme began.

"I regret deeply the Government's decision to suspend the campaign just at the height of the Christmas season," Ms Bradford says.

"However, I am glad that retailers and manufacturers will benefit from the $600,000 already committed, and I hope - where practicable - all those who can, will consider making a positive decision to buy Kiwi Made this Christmas."

ENDS

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