31 January 2000

National getting back in touch with New Zealanders

National is working hard to get back in touch with New Zealanders, National leader Jenny Shipley said at the start of the party's three day caucus retreat at Waipuna Lodge in Auckland.

"This post-election caucus is taking the vital first step of our campaign for re-election.

"We are taking stock and making sure that National renews its links with New Zealanders from every walk of life."

Mrs Shipley said the caucus today heard the initial results of a party review of the 1999 campaign.

She said she had asked Wellington political consultant Sue Wood to convene sessions today and tomorrow that will look at National's position in relation to the economy, social trends and other factors, including environmental issues.

"Sue Wood has brought together a challenging line-up of outside speakers who will be giving us their views on where New Zealand is heading, which will help us in our campaign to regain the treasury benches," Mrs Shipley said.

The outside speakers include the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank, Rod Carr, magazine editor Lindsay Dawson, environmentalist Guy Salmon, and Telecom General Manager of Corporate Strategy and Information Services, Karen Devonshire.

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