MEDIA RELEASE

NBR readers back the scrapping Callaghan innovation – but Labour’s position still unclear

31 AUGUST 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on Labour to confirm that a Labour-led Government would scrap Callaghan Innovation's 'corporate welfare' grants after an NBR subscribers poll found more than 57% of readers want the schemes to be scrapped (with a further 31% backing a reduction in the corporate welfare regime).

Executive Director of the Taxpayers' Union Jordan Williams says, “NBR’s poll proves what we’ve been arguing. The majority of the business community want the Callaghan Innovation, ‘hand picking of winners’ grants system scrapped.”

"This result doesn't come as a surprise. When Callaghan surveyed its own clients last year, 40% said Culligan hadn't added value to their business. Given Callaghan's role is giving away free stuff, that statistic is extraordinary."

“Jacinda Ardern had signalled her interest in going away from the ‘picking winners’ model in favour of R&D tax breaks. We call on Labour to commit to what businesses want, and pledge to get rid of Callaghan Innovation if elected in September.”

For further information see: https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/poll-result%C2%A0whats-best-way-boost-rd-spending-ck-p-207194

ENDS

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