FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12 September 2014

Support kiwi business-friendly policies in Election 2014

The Motel Association of NZ (MANZ) is calling on voters to make sure they vote for the party and candidate who will do the most to support kiwi businesses in the election next Saturday.

While many politicians tend to be absorbed with the ‘big picture’ in fact they should be thinking small, as small business is the lifeblood of the New Zealand economy, MANZ Chief Executive Michael Baines says.

“Unlike most big business which make profits to line the pockets of offshore shareholders, small business profits are nearly always invested back into their local community,” Mr Baines says.

“The majority of businesses in New Zealand are in the small to medium category and it is through supporting them that we will see real, sustained economic progress.”

“Motel-owners in particular are struggling on the one hand against the weight of red tape and increasing compliance costs levelled by greedy councils and on the other against the likes of B&Bs and holiday homes who are unregulated, do not pay their fair share of tax and in some cases are little more than the ‘loan sharks’ of the tourism sector,” Mr Baines says.

Kiwis are urged to help small business by talking to their local candidates and urging them to pursue policies which will lessen the red tape and lower the costs on small business and allow them to invest in their local communities.

“We believe the 2014 election is a crucial one. Are we going to get a government which will support small business, the beating heart that keeps our economy moving, or will our needs fall by the wayside in the rush to accommodate the big corporates and their overseas shareholders.”

“Help us and help the country by casting your vote to a small business-friendly party on September 20,” Mr Baines says.

Suggested questions for parliamentary candidates

1. Do you feel there should be tighter regulations on accommodation providers? If not, then why should Motels and registered businesses have to comply?
2. Should there be tighter regulation on the income of holiday homes and B&B properties who are withholding greater tax payments as commercial accommodation providers?
3. How does your party plan to support SME’s?
4. What is your party doing to adapt our legislative framework to recognise the increasing level of commerce that is being done digitally through the web? New Zealand businesses are being penalised for operating in New Zealand whilst off shore entities do not comply with New Zealand’s legislative consumer protection and tax laws.
5. Typically while you travel, time spent within accommodation facilities is significant compared to one off adventure activities. We are yet to hear of any party offer any ideas around what can be done to: a) promote the sector b) regulate the industry to lift the standard c) provide support and education to up skill the people working within the sector.
6. What initiatives is your party considering to stimulate domestic travel?

About MANZ: The Motel Association of New Zealand is the representative body for the motel industry, with 900 plus members throughout the country. MANZ works to promote the interests of motels and the wider tourism sector, and to constantly improve the services offered by motels. By staying in a MANZ motel guests, are assured of a high standard of accommodation, hospitality and service.

ENDS

© Scoop Media