Catching The Right Wave

29 July 2001

The key issue for this week's 'Knowledge Wave' conference is growth, says Business New Zealand CEO Simon Carlaw,

"Catching the knowledge wave is not an option for New Zealand. It is a critical ingredient for significant growth to regain 'First World' living standards," Mr Carlaw said.

"Even our current low, stable dollar, high commodity prices and good production are not delivering enough growth to improve our living standards relative to other OECD nations. To get back in the top tier of the OECD, we need annual growth of 7% or better.

"This means much more than just catching a knowledge wave. New Zealand's path to growth is littered with too many issues that have been in the 'too hard' basket for too long, as the recent compliance cost report shows. Dealing with these is just as important as incubators, clusters or venture capital.

"Business is hoping the 'Knowledge Wave' conference will produce more than a splash. Rich countries can deliver a triple bottom line and address social and environmental problems. Poor countries can't. Growth is what makes the difference - that's the right wave to catch."

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