Labour And Manufacturers’ Federation: A Working Partnership

“The Labour Caucus meeting with the Manufacturers’ Federation held on 6 September was a great success”, said co-organiser, Titirangi MP David Cunliffe, today.

“A high turnout of Labour MPs and Ministers endorsed the Federation’s call for a new ‘Working Partnership’ on growing the economic prior for all”, said Mr Cunliffe.

The Manufacturers’ Federation’s call to build New Zealand into a ‘boutique’ economy, not a ‘warehouse’ or ‘branch office’, echoes Labour’s vision for a smart, integrated, high-tech economy.

The Manufacturers’ Federation President, David Maloney, called for the Government to get the economy moving forward faster and praised a number of Government initiatives including its education strategy, R&D investment and Industry New Zealand programme.

“The session was a success because we are all facing the future together”, said Mr Cunliffe. “We have agreed on the strategic challenge and on the vision we wish to create. Our task now is to work together on the road map that gets us there”.

MPs and Federation Members agreed to work together on Government support for R&D, analysis of compliance costs, and further work on capital availability and export credit finance.

There was also discussion of the contribution that Government procurement and the role of immigration and education has in closing the skills gap, as well as the need for further discussion of local government and environmental issues.

“This is real partnership, not just PR”, said Mr Cunliffe. “It is another step on the path of good Government where Labour MPs are in constant dialogue with the business sector”.

“The Manufacturers’ Federation welcomed the Government’s more activist approach to economic growth, and we intend to deliver on that vision together”, said Mr Cunliffe.

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