Richard Prosser MP

Spokesperson for State-Owned Enterprise
21 AUGUST 2015

Kiwi Business to Kiwi Business is Good for New Zealand

New Zealand First questions why Kiwi companies are not trading with each other, but instead import from foreign suppliers.

“The decision by Genesis Energy to stop buying coal for the Huntly Power Station from Solid Energy will hit the struggling state-owned enterprise,” says State-Owned Enterprise Spokesperson Richard Prosser.

“A 2010 study by BERL found that for every $1 million spent in New Zealand, 10.4 jobs are created or maintained, $108,457 of tax revenue is generated, and $128,685 savings are made on welfare payments.

“It makes no sense for government departments, state-owned enterprises and councils not to give preference to New Zealand firms over foreign competitors.

“State-owned enterprises are put on this earth to support the economic and social well-being of New Zealanders.

“New Zealand First’s Buy New Zealand (Procurement) Bill will ensure that New Zealand businesses are given preference – so that we can all stay afloat.

“The Huntly Power station already imports 50 per cent of its coal from Indonesia – it’s not common sense for New Zealand,” says Mr Prosser.

ENDS

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