It also leaves the New Zealand economy exposed in a way that no economically prudent government would allow. The Government's economic strategy is a joke. It is forcing local businesses overseas leading to job losses and a further deterioration of our balance of payments. Those redundant workers need common sense solutions to their employment needs not glossy booklets telling them to be responsible. We need to reclaim our economic sovereignty as a nation rather than further expose ourselves to the predatory global economy.
Self reliance is the key to rebuilding New Zealand.
There is no point waiting for this government to see the light. Each of us can play a part in revitalising our local economies by supporting local businesses businesses which are locally owned and staffed and which re-invest the wealth created into more local enterprises creating more local employment. Can I conclude by congratulating the Southland Building Society and the Community Trust of Southland for taking up exactly that challenge by creating a new Southland-based company to stimulate the local economy by making investment equity available for business development in the south. Their initiative needs to be replicated throughout the country and I look forward to being part of a new government to replace this directionless one to do just that.