Growth NZ Launched As Ambitious Driver Of Growth And Innovation

New advocacy group Growth NZ launches today, igniting a new way of thinking about economic growth and innovation in New Zealand.

“New Zealand is ready for change. Right across the country Kiwis are doing it tough and the step change our nation needs will only come with a credible long-term plan to grow opportunity for all,” says spokesperson of Growth NZ, Brendan Vercoe.

A collective made up of business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, Growth NZ seeks to advance bold thinking on how New Zealand can achieve measurable and sustainable economic growth through actionable and evidence-based frameworks.

“We’re driven by the shared goal of achieving 5 percent economic growth, year-on-year, by 2035. We know it's an ambitious goal, but it's underpinned by a drive to secure better services and higher wages for everyone in New Zealand.”

Growth NZ’s launch platform centres on education, investment, talent, innovation and revenue.

“We are calling on political leaders to confront a hard reality: New Zealand will not lift wages or living standards by doing more of the same.”

“Future-proofing the country requires deliberate policy choices that attract top-tier talent, supercharge exports, and build resilient energy, AI and financial infrastructure, while making far better use of our strong global connections. Failing to act leaves New Zealand poorer, with fewer opportunities for the next generation,” Mr Vercoe says.

“Aotearoa already has some of the strongest competitive advantages in the world: a globally trusted, rules-based system; abundant renewable energy potential; deep global connections through trade and a one-million-strong diaspora; and a highly educated, adaptable workforce.”

Vercoe says that Growth NZ believes New Zealand’s best days are ahead, but only if the nation’s political leaders choose to fully leverage these advantages to make the vision of higher productivity, rising wages and better living standards a reality.

“It’s well known that New Zealand struggles with low productivity, and continues to rank near the bottom internationally which is driving our talent offshore. Our GDP per hour worked is now, on average, 40 percent lower than Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

“This is not a coincidence; our international peers have prioritised effective policy and investment to grow their economies. We must do the same if we are expected to compete and be a nation that encourages prosperity and celebrates the wins,” Mr Vercoe says.

With the election year underway, Growth NZ has written to the seven largest political parties in New Zealand sharing their vision for growth focused policy that improves living standards for all New Zealanders.

Growth NZ’s initial policy platform can be found online at www.growthnz.org.nz.

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