David
PARKER
Spokesperson for Finance

21 December 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT

Almost 50,000 more Kiwis have XXXX-mas in OZ

Almost 50,000 more New Zealanders will celebrate Christmas in Australia this year having crossed the Tasman in the last 11 months, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson David Parker.

“Since National came to power four years ago over 177,000 Kiwis have moved permanently across the Tasman. It’s no coincidence that the number of unemployed New Zealanders is 175,000 and 170,000 is the number of new jobs John Key promised at the last election.

“I wish the nearly 50,000 New Zealanders who have left for Australia so far this year a Merry XXXX-mas, even if the beer is weak and tasteless.

“In two years’ time Labour’s economic policy will give Kiwis more reason to stay in New Zealand than better beer. Our hands-on economic policy will create jobs, increase wages and encourage New Zealanders overseas to return.

“By the end of the year well over 50,000 New Zealanders will have moved to Australia in 2012.

“At the moment it’s hard to come up with reasons to convince Kiwis to stay here, other than better beer and coffee. This year zero extra jobs were created. Zero. Unemployment at 7.3% is considerably higher than in Australia. Growth here is forecast to remain weak for years and unemployment to stay high.

“Of course they’re leaving. Their brighter future is there.

“This is John Key’s legacy. After four years of National, the only way people can close the wage gap with Australia is to move there. Sadly they have to drink their beer.”

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